New HampshireBill proposed penalties for false reports and rules for aid and care
The failed bill proposed penalties for knowingly false abuse reports, a project manager requirement for some school aid applications, and temporary Medicaid nursing facility eligibility.
What it does
Knowingly giving false information about suspected child abuse or neglect would be a misdemeanor, whether it is given to the state department or a required reporter.
Someone harmed by an intentional false report could sue the person responsible for money or other suitable relief.
Schools applying for construction aid would need to hire a project manager for projects costing at least $1.5 million, unless the commissioner waives the requirement.
People applying for Medicaid nursing facility care would get provisional eligibility within 90 days, even if their application is incomplete. Facilities would be paid under an approved contract; the bill sets aside $1, and extra shortfall funding needs further approval.
Argument forApplicants might receive nursing facility care while the state reviews their applications, including when paperwork is incomplete.
Argument againstNursing facilities might have to repay state payments after providing care, even when a resident’s application is denied.
More detail
A person who knowingly gives false information about suspected child abuse or neglect would commit a misdemeanor. This applies to false information given to the department or to a professional required by law to report suspected child abuse. The false information must be given knowingly.
A person harmed by an intentional false report could sue the person responsible for money or other appropriate relief. The person bringing the case must have been harmed by the false report. The claim must involve an intentional false report covered by the misdemeanor provision.
A school district or chartered public school applying for construction aid would have to hire an owner's project manager for a construction or renovation project costing $1.5 million or more. This applies to school districts and chartered public schools applying for state building aid for construction. The commissioner may waive the requirement if it is unnecessary. The school must have hired the manager when it applies for aid.
The department would grant provisional eligibility for Medicaid nursing facility services within 90 days after receiving an application and pay the facility until it makes a final decision. This applies to people applying for Medicaid nursing facility services and facilities that agree to the required contract. The facility must agree by contract to follow the contract and applicable law. The application need not be complete. Payments require a contract approved by the governor and council. The bill appropriates $1; additional funding for a shortfall requires approval by the legislative fiscal committee and the governor and council. Eligibility ends when the state makes a final decision, the facility asks to end it, or 18 months after the application, whichever comes first. If no final decision is made within 12 months, the facility may start a case within 45 days to seek appointment of a special Medicaid representative.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Aug 19Veto Sustained 08/19/2026: RC 168-140 Lacking Necessary Two-Thirds Vote HJ 16 P. 46Latest
- Vote recorded Veto Override. Result: pass.Lower
- Jul 20Vetoed by Governor Kelly Ayotte Ayotte 07/15/2026Major
- Jul 6Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 15To Governor
- Jul 6Enrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15 P. 56
- Jun 23Enrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-2192e: AA VV (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15 P. 54
- Jun 23Enrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-2192e Adopted, VV, (In recess of 06/04/2026); SJ 14Major
- Jun 4Conference Committee Report 2026-2058c: Adopted, DV 198-154 06/04/2026 HJ 15 P. 15
- Jun 4Conference Committee Report # 2026-2058c, Adopted, VV; 06/04/2026; SJ 14
- Jun 1Hearing: 04/02/2026, Room 100, SH, 09:50 am; SC 12
- May 28Conference Committee Report Filed, # 2026-2058c; 06/04/2026
- May 26Conference Committee Meeting: 05/26/2026 10:30 am GP 231
- May 20President Appoints: Senators Abbas, Rochefort, Long; (In Recess 05/14/2026); SJ 13
- May 20Sen. Abbas Accedes to House Request for Committee of Conference, MA, VV; (In recess 05/14/2026); SJ 13
- May 14Speaker Appoints: Reps. DeSimone, Spillane, Markell, Korzen 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 148
- May 14House Non-Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1972s and Requests CofC (Rep. DeSimone): MA VV 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 148
- May 14Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1972s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/14/2026; SJ 12Passed Senate
- May 14Sen. Abbas Floor Amendment # 2026-1972s, AA, VV; 05/14/2026; SJ 12
- Apr 16Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 05/14/2026, Vote 3-0; SC 18Minor
- Apr 16Special Order to 05/14/2026, Without Objection, MA; 04/16/2026 SJ 9
- Apr 16HB 1565 was Removed from the Consent Calendar; 04/16/2026; SJ 9
- Apr 8Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 04/16/2026; Vote 3-0; CC; SC 14Minor
- Mar 17Introduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Children and Family Law; SJ 7Minor
- Mar 11Reconsider 18-311 (Rep. H. Howard): MF DV 031126 [&] HJ 7 P. 66
- Vote recorded Reconsider. Result: fail.Lower
- Mar 11Ought to Pass: MA DV 181-141 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 65Passed House
- Mar 4Minority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate
- Mar 4Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass 03/03/2026 (Vote 9-7; RC) HC 10 P. 30Minor
- Feb 20Executive Session: 03/03/2026 10:00 am GP 230
- Feb 10Public Hearing: 02/24/2026 01:30 pm GP 230
- Aug 19Veto Sustained 08/19/2026: RC 168-140 Lacking Necessary Two-Thirds Vote HJ 16 P. 46Latest
- 2025
- Dec 10Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Children and Family Law HJ 1 P. 26Introduced
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