SB161
Sponsored By: Regina Birdsell (Republican)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Courts favor in-state child placements
Beginning Jan 1, 2026, the law presumes in-state placements are best for children. A court may use an out-of-state program only if no in-state option exists and it offers needed specialized services. Out-of-state facilities must be licensed where they operate and certified by the New Hampshire Department. These placements are time-limited, need extra court review, and require written approval from the Division for Children, Youth and Families director or a designee. Courts may treat New England placements as in-state.
Fairer safety checks for parents
Starting Jan 1, 2026, the Department uses an evidence-informed safety assessment of the parent, home, and other adults. Your cooperation or sharing records counts in favor of your fitness. Owning a firearm alone does not make your home unsafe if you follow federal and state law, including RSA 650-C:1.
Standard monthly visits for kids
Starting Jan 1, 2026, the Department creates a standard procedure and form for monthly in-person visits with children. Staff must complete the form during each visit. This makes oversight and records consistent for children in care.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Regina Birdsell
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Pat Long
Democratic • Senate
Sharon M. Carson
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor on 06/17/2025; Chapter 0099; Effective 01/01/2026
6/18/2025SenateEnrolled (in recess of) 06/05/2025 HJ 16 P. 167
6/9/2025HouseEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/05/2025); SJ 16
6/9/2025SenateSen. Abbas Moved to Concur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 05/08/2025; SJ 12
5/8/2025SenateOught to Pass with Amendment 2025-1539h: MA VV 05/01/2025 HJ 13 P. 2
5/1/2025HouseAmendment # 2025-1539h: AA VV 05/01/2025 HJ 13 P. 2
5/1/2025HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-1539h 04/08/2025 (Vote 14-0; CC) HC 22 P. 7
4/18/2025HouseExecutive Session: 04/08/2025 10:30 am LOB 206-208
4/18/2025HousePublic Hearing: 04/08/2025 10:30 am LOB 206-208
3/31/2025HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/27/2025 and referred to Children and Family Law HJ 11 P. 111
3/28/2025HouseOught to Pass with Amendment #2025-0539s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/06/2025; SJ 6
3/6/2025SenateCommittee Amendment # 2025-0539s, AA, VV; 03/06/2025; SJ 6
3/6/2025SenateCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0539s, 03/06/2025; Vote 3-0; CC; SC 11
2/21/2025SenateHearing: 02/20/2025, Room 101, LOB, 09:45 am; SC 10
2/13/2025SenateIntroduced 01/09/2025 and Referred to Children and Family Law; SJ 3
1/23/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
6/9/2025
Introduced
1/23/2025
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION
Version adopted by both bodies
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