2020 Early Childhood Priority Legislation & Other Bills

HB 1233: Relative to coverage for children’s early intervention services

  • Known as the “First Dollar” bill, this seeks to create an insurance mandate that would require insurance companies to cover the first $3,200 of early intervention services with no cost to patients.
  • Position: Support
  • Click here to read the bill: http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/billText.aspx?sy=2020&id=1596&tx...
  • HB 1233 did not pass and was Laid on Table in the Senate.

HB 1539: Relative to the relocation of children with elevated lead levels

  • Requires property owners or managers to relocate tenants to alternate housing within 30 days following a state order for lead hazard reduction.  The bill would also require landlords to cover reasonable moving and storage costs. These interventions will help families that have been exposed to high lead levels to more quickly access safe housing for their children.
  • Position: Support
  • Click here to read the bill: http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/billText.aspx?sy=2020&id=1755&tx...
  • HB 1539 did not pass and was Laid on Table in the Senate.

HB 1638: Relative to the administration of the SNAP incentive programs

  • With guidance from New Futures and partners, Rep. Joelle Martin has filed legislation instructing DHHS to administer SNAP incentive programs in which families receive a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $20 per day for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Position: Support
  • The bill includes $150,000 in funding
  • Read the bill here: http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/billText.aspx?sy=2020&id=1611&tx...
  • HB 1638 did not pass and was referred to Interim Study.

HB 1707: Expanding the family-centered early supports and services (FCESS) program to children under the age of 3 who are born substance-exposed

  • Clarifies current law that any child born substance-exposed shall be referred for early supports and services. Recent reports indicate that there is a great deal of discretion in current law and many children are not referred that could benefit from early intervention. This bill seeks to close that gap.
  • Position: Support
  • Click here to read the bill: http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/billText.aspx?sy=2020&id=2248&tx...
  • HB 1707 did not pass and was Laid on Table in the Senate.

SB 599: Relative to testing for lead in water in schools and child care facilities

SB 618: Requiring employers to provide access to a sufficient space for nursing mothers and reasonable break time

  • Requires employers to provide access to a space for nursing mothers and reasonable break time; also provides a tax break against the business enterprise tax for employers who provide nursing accommodations.
  • Position: Support
  • Click here to read the bill: http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/billText.aspx?sy=2020&id=1889&tx...
  • SB 618 did not pass and was Laid on Table in the Senate.

SB 716: Relative to Medicaid coverage for child health and development

  • Sen. Cindy Rosenwald has introduced legislation asking the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services to explore changes to the Medicaid program to support primary prevention and ensure kindergarten readiness for all children. 
  • The bill asks DHHS to explore expanding Medicaid coverage for maternal and caregiver depression screenings, parent education programs, and expanded case management and care coordination for children at high risk of trauma, among other key family supports and services.
  • Position: Support
  • Click here to read the bill: http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/billText.aspx?sy=2020&id=2117&tx...
  • SB 716 did not pass and was Laid on Table in the House.