Written by Jillian Andrews Dubois, New Futures
In 2026, we’re keeping an eye on several bills that could impact children’s behavioral health in New Hampshire. Lawmakers really do want to hear from families, educators, providers, and advocates. Your perspective helps them see the full picture! Here’s what you need to know about the legislation:
Insurance Coverage for Care Coordination
Why It Matters: Enhanced care coordination, or “wraparound” programs empower families as they navigate complex systems and help children with significant behavioral health support needs remain in their homes and communities. Wraparound programs in NH include Families And Systems Together (FAST) Forward, early childhood wraparound, and Transitional Enhanced Care Coordination (TrECC). Unfortunately, a private insurance coverage gap means many families cannot access these critical services, and taxpayer dollars unnecessarily subsidize private insurance corporations.
About the Bill: Senate Bill 498 would close this coverage gap. It would require private insurance companies to help cover these vital services, creating a partnership between public and private insurers so all New Hampshire children can get the care they need, no matter what type of insurance they have.
Bill Status:
- January 7, 2026: SB 498 was introduced and assigned to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
- Next: The bill will be scheduled for a public committee hearing. This will be an opportunity for advocates to make their voices heard at the State House.
Take Action: Learn more, contact lawmakers, and share your story
Protecting Teen Voices and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Why It Matters: New Hampshire relies on the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) to understand what teens are actually experiencing—from mental health struggles to substance use and other risky behaviors. This anonymous, voluntary survey provides the insights that schools, parents, and communities need to target prevention efforts where they’ll make the biggest difference.
About the Bill: House Bill 1191 would remove the current exception that allows schools to administer the YRBS with an opt-out process, instead requiring parents to opt-in before their child can participate. This change could significantly reduce participation rates, making it impossible to collect insights needed to effectively direct prevention resources and support to New Hampshire’s youth.
Bill Status:
- January 7, 2026: House Bill 1191 was introduced and assigned to the House Education Policy and Administration Committee.
- Next: The bill will be scheduled for a public committee hearing. This will be an opportunity for advocates to make their voices heard at the State House.
Take Action: Learn more, contact lawmakers, and share your story
Make Your Voice Heard
New Hampshire’s legislative process gives every bill a public hearing. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard! You can participate by signing in online to support or oppose legislation, submitting written testimony, or speaking in person at the State House. Beyond hearings, reaching out directly to your lawmakers by phone or email throughout the session helps them understand what matters to their constituents.
With so many bills impacting children’s behavioral health moving through the State House, staying informed takes effort. New Futures makes it easier with tools and updates designed to help you take action. Our partners at NAMI NH also offer a weekly newsletter and advocacy resources.
Stay in the loop on the latest advocacy opportunities by:
- Attending an upcoming event from New Futures or our friends at NAMI New Hampshire.
- Signing up for our email action alerts.
- Joining our Facebook group, and following us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Threads.