Senior volunteer programs benefit everyone in New Hampshire and are essential to our state's long-term services and supports (LTSS) system. These programs tap into the skills, experience, and wisdom of older adults, mobilizing them as vital community assets. Older volunteers help isolated neighbors with daily tasks, tutor children through programs like America Reads, and provide support across generations. Through this service, communities grow stronger, individuals receive needed support, and volunteers themselves gain purpose, connection, and continued engagement in community life.
HB 704 as amended would invest in senior volunteer programs that harness the contributions of older adults to strengthen communities across New Hampshire.
Take Action
Sign In: Support HB 704 (by midnight on 2/17)
Virtually sign in to the public hearing to show your support for HB 704:
- Go to the Senate Remote Sign-In Sheet on the General Court website.
- Select the date: February 17
- Select the committee: Senate Finance
- Choose the bill number: HB 704
- Select "I am: a member of the public" unless one of the other labels is appropriate to you
- Fill in "I'm Representing: Myself" unless you are approved to represent another entity (i.e. your workplace or an organization).
- Select "I support this bill."
- "Continue" to fill in your personal information, then click continue again.
Email Lawmakers: Senate Finance Committee
Attend or Testify at the Public Hearing
Show your support by attending or testifying at the upcoming public hearing on February 17, 2026 at 1:15 pm at the State House in Room 103. New Futures can help you prepare remarks, find the committee room, and offer moral support at the hearing.
Please click the button below to indicate your interest and we will reach out to offer assistance.
You can learn more about what to expect on our Ways to Advocate webpage or in our Guide for Preparing Effective Testimony.
Note: You may want to double-check the time and location at the bill's State House webpage to make sure there aren't any last minute changes.
Spread the Word: Advocacy Brief
HB 704 Advocacy Brief
Learn more and share our advocacy brief on HB 704: Maintaining Senior Volunteer Programs
Need help? Contact Martha McLeod (Vice President of Community Engagement) for help taking action or Judith Jones (Healthy Aging Policy Director) with policy questions.
About the Bill
HB 704 supports individuals living in the community by funding an existing, high-impact volunteer program—the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).
RSVP connects volunteers ages 55+ with diverse service opportunities in New Hampshire. RSVP advances local solutions by immersing volunteers in projects that respond to community needs, allowing them to serve alongside organizations improving lives and creating lasting change. Whether RSVP volunteers tutor children through America Reads, visit isolated neighbors, provide transportation to medical appointments, help with grocery shopping, or mentor youth, their contributions address pressing challenges and strengthen communities across generations. The program also provides significant health benefits to volunteers themselves—AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers experience decreased anxiety, depression, and loneliness, with 84% reporting stable or improving health after one year of service.
Nationally, investing in AmeriCorps and Senior Corps volunteer programs has an estimated return of $11.80 for every $1 invested.
Bill
Status
Next: The Senate Finance Committee will hold a public hearing on the bill on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 1:15 pm at the State House in Room 103.
January 1, 2026: House Passes House Bill 704 with amendment by a voice vote, advancing it to the Senate for review.
October 30, 2025: House Finance Committee recommends "Ought to Pass" (25-0) with an amendment that funds the Retired Senior Volunteer Programs at $180,000.
June 27, 2025: HB 1 and HB 2 are signed into law. An additional $100,000 in funding for the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) Caregiver Respite program was included!
April 1, 2025: House Finance Committee retains the bill
March 6, 2025: House of Representatives passes the bill by voice vote
February 19, 2025: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee recommends "Ought to Pass" (16-1)
February 12, 2025: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee public hearing
