This bill mandates the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for the establishment and operation of supervised visitation centers in each county of New Hampshire. The new legal language inserted into RSA 170-G includes a new subdivision, 170-G:22, which outlines the requirements for these centers. Specifically, the centers must adhere to the Guiding Principles of Safe Havens as developed by the U.S. Department of Justice and seek community input for their planning and operation. The RFP will require applicants to submit detailed plans and budgets addressing various operational needs, including safety procedures, staffing, and financial policies.

The bill does not provide funding or authorize new positions, and the fiscal impact is indeterminable. However, the DHHS estimates that the initial cost of opening and operating the ten centers could exceed $5 million, with ongoing annual costs ranging from $1.5 million to $2 million. The bill aims to address the lack of supervised visitation centers in the state, as most have closed, leaving only a minimally operating center in Strafford County. The DHHS is expected to absorb the operational costs associated with issuing the RFP, but any significant fiscal impact is anticipated to occur after FY 2025.