This bill amends existing laws regarding out-of-state placements for children, establishing that such placements must be licensed according to the laws of the state in which they operate and certified by the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill replaces the term "contracted with the state" with "licensed in accordance with the laws of the state in which they operate and certified by the department." Additionally, it emphasizes that out-of-state placements should only be made when no in-state options are available and that these placements must offer specialized services not provided in New Hampshire.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that any out-of-state placements require increased judicial oversight and the written approval of the director of the Division for Children, Youth and Families, or their designee, particularly for placements outside of New England. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to ensure that out-of-state placements are appropriately regulated and that in-state options are prioritized for the welfare of children.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 169-C:19-b, 169-C:19-e, 169-F:5, 169-F:7
As Amended by the Senate: 169-C:19-b, 169-F:5, 169-F:7
As Amended by the House: 169-C:19-b, 169-F:5, 169-F:7
Version adopted by both bodies: 169-C:19-b, 169-F:5, 169-F:7
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 169-C:19-b, 169-F:5, 169-F:7