The bill, HB 1584-FN, mandates the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to include a statement in all childhood immunization materials regarding the availability of medical and religious exemptions under state law. It also amends RSA 167:83, II(r) to expand eligibility for the child care scholarship program to families with gross monthly incomes at or below 95% of the state median income, a significant change from the previous law that did not reference the state median income. To support this expansion, the bill reallocates certain tax revenues, including 50% of surplus tobacco tax revenues, liquor commission profits, beer tax revenues, and video lottery terminal revenues, as well as 2% of specific Lottery Commission revenues, although no transfers to the scholarship program will occur before July 1, 2027.

Additionally, the bill requires pharmacies to actively inform consumers about their right to request the lowest available price for prescription drugs through verbal instructions, signage, and printed materials. The DHHS anticipates that approximately 6,090 children will qualify for the scholarship under the new criteria, potentially costing around $29 million annually if all eligible children receive benefits. To accommodate this increased demand, the DHHS estimates needing nine new positions at an annual cost of $560,000, along with a one-time expense of $1,145,000 to update the New Heights eligibility system. Overall, the bill introduces significant changes to child care scholarship eligibility and funding while enhancing consumer awareness regarding drug pricing.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 141-C:20-c, 141-C:21
As Amended by the House: 141-C:20-c, 141-C:21
As Amended by the Senate: 167:83, 78:24, 176:16, 178:26, 287-J:6, 284:21-j
HB1584 text: 141-C:20-c, 141-C:21