relative to family caregiver support in certain programs and child care support for kinship caregivers.
Sponsored By: David H. Watters (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Broader child care help for families
Retirement meets New Hampshire’s Child Care Scholarship work requirement for people who reach retirement age under Social Security rules. Participation in an approved mental health or substance use treatment program also meets that requirement. Treatment participation must be verified by a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, licensed behavioral health professional, licensed physician assistant, licensed alcohol and drug counselor, certified recovery support worker, or board-certified psychologist. Households owe no scholarship family cost share when all enrolled children are cared for by caretaker relatives, as state law defines them. When other children are also enrolled, a household may owe a share, but no additional share for children in relative care.
Grandparent child care access and safeguards
Preventive or protective child care is available to grandparents who are legal guardians or primary caretakers of their grandchildren. Beginning July 1, 2021, providers with state contracts for these services must have evidence-based training in trauma-informed care. This training addresses care that accounts for trauma and costs providers nothing.
New support path for family caregivers
Effective upon passage, the law requires New Hampshire’s health department to seek federal approval for family caregiver support. This applies to the Acquired Brain Disorder and Choices for Independence home- and community-based waiver programs. Coverage requires federal approval and is set through each participant’s individual service plan. Services must help sustain caregiving at home and in the community; examples include counseling, training, peer support, and caregiver assessments. The department must add services through waiver amendments or renewals and set rules for eligibility, providers, service scope, and limits.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
David H. Watters
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Cindy Rosenwald
Democratic • Senate
Debra Altschiller
Democratic • Senate
Donovan Fenton
Democratic • Senate
Kevin A. Avard
Republican • Senate
Kimberly A Rice
Affiliation unavailable
Mary Jane Wallner
Democratic • House
Rebecca Perkins Kwoka
Democratic • Senate
Timothy Lang
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
II. Remainder Effective 05/28/2026
5/29/2026SenateI. Sections 3 and 4 of this act shall take effect as provided in Section 5
5/29/2026SenateSigned by the Governor on 05/28/2026; Chapter 109
5/29/2026SenateEnrolled (in recess of) 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 147
5/18/2026HouseEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 05/14/2026); SJ 13
5/18/2026SenateSen. Rochefort Moved to Concur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 04/16/2026; SJ 9
4/16/2026SenateReferral Waived by Committee Chair per House Rule 47(f) 04/09/2026 HJ 10 P. 20
4/9/2026HouseReferred to Finance 04/09/2026 HJ 10 P. 17
4/9/2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-1263h: MA VV 04/09/2026 HJ 10 P. 16
4/9/2026HouseAmendment # 2026-1263h: AA VV 04/09/2026 HJ 10 P. 16
4/9/2026HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1263h 03/31/2026 (Vote 15-0; RC)
4/1/2026HouseExecutive Session: 03/31/2026 10:00 am GP 230
3/25/2026HousePublic Hearing: 03/24/2026 11:30 am GP 230
3/17/2026HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/12/2026 and referred to Children and Family Law HJ 8 P. 114
3/16/2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-1050s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
3/6/2026SenateCommittee Amendment # 2026-1050s, AA, VV; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
3/6/2026SenateCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1050s, 03/12/2026; Vote 6-0; CC; SC 9
3/5/2026SenateOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-0210s, MA, VV; Refer to Finance Rule 4-5; 01/29/2026; SJ 2
1/29/2026SenateCommittee Amendment # 2026-0210s, AA, VV; 01/29/2026; SJ 2
1/29/2026SenateCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0210s, 01/29/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 3
1/22/2026SenateHearing: 01/14/2026, Room 100, SH, 01:30 pm; SC 47
12/15/2025SenateIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Health and Human Services; SJ 1
11/25/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
5/18/2026
Introduced
11/25/2025
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION
Version adopted by both bodies
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