When you or someone you love is struggling with substance use disorder, finding safe, research-backed treatment should be straightforward. New Hampshire is fortunate to have many dedicated outpatient substance use disorder treatment providers that deliver high-quality, evidence-based care. However, these facilities are largely unregulated, and there is no way for patients and families to know where to find safe, effective care that's free from misconduct and abuse.
House Bill 751, carried over from the 2025 session, originally sought to safeguard those seeking treatment by ensuring these facilities are licensed, similar to residential facilities. This would have established critical protections and supported delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care.
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Make your voice heard by attending or testifying at a public hearing! New Futures can help you prepare remarks, find the committee room, and offer moral support at the hearing.
The Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee held a public hearing for House Bill 751 on January 21, 2026. However, the bill may have a future hearing.
Need help? Contact Jake Berry, our policy point person for this legislation.
About the Bill
HB 751 originally sought to protect patients by strengthening protections and ensuring there are high-quality substance use disorder treatment services here in the Granite State. The bill included two key parts:
- Licensing: Outpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities would be licensed by the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services and meet established treatment standards so patients receive safe, effective care.
- Investigations of Misconduct: Aims to make it easier for patients, families, and staff to report concerns by creating a special position at the NH Department of Health and Human Services dedicated to investigating reports of abuse or misconduct by treatment providers.
Unfortunately, an amendment was added in the House to undermine the bill's goals and instead create a study committee. We support the restoration of the bill's original intent and oppose further delays. Patients need safeguards now.
Bill Status
Thursday, January 29: HB 751 is scheduled to be voted on by the full Senate.
January 23: The Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee completed its committee report. Its members recommended "ought to pass with amendment" #2026-0223s in a 5-0 vote.
January 21: The Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee held a public hearing.
January 8, 2026: The House of Representatives added amendment 2964h, which undermined the bill's intent, on a 186-158 vote. Currently, the bill language would create a study committee. The bill then passed out of the House with the amendment on a 350-3 vote. The bill was then introduced in the Senate and assigned to the Executive Departments and Administration Committee.
October 30, 2025: The House Finance Committee recommended "ought to pass as amended". The amendment recommended by the majority sought to change the bill to only a study committee.
Fall 2025: The House Finance Committee met multiple times to discuss the bill
April 1, 2025: The House Finance Committee retained the bill
March 6, 2025: The House of Representatives passed the bill in a 216-152 vote. Amendment 220h was added on a voice vote. The bill was assigned to the House Finance Committee, as it included is "Fiscal Note".
February 12, 2025: The House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee recommended "ought to pass as amended" in a 12-6 vote
February 5, 2025: The House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee held a public hearing
January 9, 2025: The bill was introduced and referred to the House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee
If you'd like to hear about the bill's progress, you can sign up for automated updates from the NH Legislature here.
To learn more about how a bill becomes a law, visit our About the Legislature webpage sign up for a New Futures advocacy training.
