This bill amends existing laws regarding local assistance eligibility and establishes new provisions for municipalities in New Hampshire. It allows municipalities to set residency requirements for individuals seeking assistance while ensuring that temporary emergency aid is available for up to six days as residency is verified. The bill emphasizes special consideration for individuals who have left their town of origin due to domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or human trafficking, ensuring they are not disqualified based on residency. Additionally, it mandates that local governing bodies adopt written guidelines for general assistance applications, eligibility criteria, and appeals processes, including the requirement for proof of residency.

The bill also introduces an administrative process for determining financial responsibility among municipalities when an individual is believed to be a resident of another municipality or outside New Hampshire. It outlines the responsibilities of the assisting municipality, including contacting the alleged municipality of residency for reimbursement and conducting hearings to resolve residency disputes. The language of the bill includes specific insertions, such as the requirement for municipalities to provide temporary emergency assistance and the establishment of financial standards for local welfare guidelines, while deleting outdated references to residency definitions. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 165:1
As Amended by the House: 165:1
As Amended by the Senate: 165:1, 165:2-a
Version adopted by both bodies: 165:1, 165:2-a
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 165:1, 165:2-a