Commission would study a state psychiatric hospital for adults

A study commission would review whether New Hampshire should reestablish a state psychiatric hospital. The study concerns adults with severe and persistent mental illness and a hospital that could provide long-term inpatient care. The commission would include members of the House and Senate, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Corrections. Its work would include reviewing New Hampshire Hospital and community programs, examining repeated use of jails and emergency services, studying costs, staffing, and possible sites, and gathering views from affected groups. The commission would report its findings and recommendations for possible legislation by November 1, 2026.

One provision would repeal RSA 126-A:5-g, which concerns a commission studying a state psychiatric hospital. The repeal provision applies to RSA 126-A:5-g and the commission described in that section. The supplied text also inserts a new section with the same RSA number and subject, so the relationship between the two provisions is unclear. The repeal provision would take effect on November 1, 2026; the rest of the act would take effect upon passage.