The bill establishes a committee to study foster care families and the foster care system. The committee is tasked with examining the unique challenges, concerns, and needs of foster care families in New Hampshire, including the assessment of regulations and requirements to qualify for foster care, the special circumstances of foster care provided by relatives, and how to best provide guidance to potential foster families. The goal is to make recommendations to improve and maintain a strong and successful state foster care system. The committee will solicit information and testimony from foster parents, the department of health and human services, and other relevant experts.
The committee will consist of one member of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate, and three members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house. Members will receive mileage at the legislative rate for attending committee duties. The committee will elect a chairperson from among its members, and the first meeting must be held within 45 days of the act's effective date. A quorum for the committee is three members. The committee is required to report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation by November 1, 2024, to various state officials and the state library. The act takes effect upon its passage, with an effective date of May 14, 2024. There are no insertions or deletions marked in the provided text, indicating that this bill does not modify existing law but rather introduces new provisions.