Bill
HB 704
The bill would provide state funding to support the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), expanding and sustaining volunteer opportunities for adults 55 and older.
HB 704 – New Hampshire 2026 Session
Title: Making an appropriation to the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
Overview
HB 704 proposes an appropriation from the state budget to support the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). The bill’s central aim is to provide state funding to assist RSVP operations, programs, and activities that mobilize volunteers aged 55 and older to support communities and nonprofit organizations.
Purpose and intent
- To provide financial support for RSVP, enabling expansion or continuation of volunteer opportunities for seniors.
- To reinforce community capacity by directing funding to RSVP projects, partnerships with local agencies, and volunteer coordination.
- To align resources with state initiatives that leverage volunteer labor to address community needs (e.g., health, education, social services, elder care, disaster response).
Key provisions and changes (substantive content)
- Appropriation amount: The bill designates a specific dollar amount to be allocated to RSVP. The exact figure is not stated in the provided summary, but it constitutes a state-funded appropriation for RSVP activities.
- Allocation use: Funds are intended for RSVP program support, including recruitment and management of volunteers, training, regional coordination, and partnership development with nonprofits and government agencies.
- Oversight and reporting: The bill may include requirements for reporting on how funds are used, outcomes achieved, and impacts on volunteer placement and community services. (Note: explicit reporting language is not shown in the summary; typical appropriations bills include such provisions.)
Who/what is affected
- RSVP programs operating in New Hampshire and the organizations that host or partner with RSVP will be eligible to receive funds.
- Organizations leveraging RSVP volunteers (nonprofits, schools, healthcare providers, community service agencies) could benefit from increased volunteer capacity.
- The state government’s budget and fiscal management processes will manage and disburse the appropriation, with potential reporting and accountability requirements.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduction and referral: Introduced January 7, 2026 and referred to the Senate Finance Committee.
- Public hearing and committee action: Hearing held February 17, 2026; Committee reported “Ought to Pass” on March 5, 2026 with a vote of 7-0.
- Senate action: After committee approval, the bill proceeded to consideration in the Senate, with motions and potential amendments recorded (e.g., amendments associated with an earlier related measure were noted in the history).
- Latest actions: As of March 12, 2026, the bill had an “Ought to Pass” recommendation and was subject to further motions and potential third-reading considerations.
Additional context from the history
- The bill has undergone multiple rounds of refinement, including amendment proposals (notably Amendment #2025-2963h in prior sessions) and repeated committee reviews, indicating ongoing refinement of funding levels, eligibility, and usage.
- It has been retained and reintroduced in several sessions, reflecting continued legislative interest in supporting RSVP.
Notes for readers
- Specific dollar amounts, eligibility criteria, permissible uses, and reporting requirements should be confirmed in the final enacted text or the fiscal note accompanying the bill.
- The measure’s success depends on budgetary alignment and satisfactory execution and reporting by RSVP program administrators.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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