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Bill

SB 441

relative to the financial responsibility for local assistance and enabling municipalities to request a hearing regarding the residency of an assisted person.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Avard and 4 co-sponsors

New Hampshire municipalities must obtain formal agreements with receiving municipalities before transporting people needing substance abuse treatment, preventing uncoordinated transfers.

Refer for Interim Study: MA VV 04/23/2026 HJ 11
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Bill Summary · SB 441

Legislative bill overview

SB 441 requires municipalities in New Hampshire to establish a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with receiving municipalities before transporting individuals needing substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and support services. The bill essentially creates a formal coordination mechanism to ensure receiving communities are prepared and willing to accept transported individuals rather than having municipalities unilaterally send residents elsewhere.

Why is this important

This addresses a real-world practice where municipalities sometimes transport individuals with SUD needs to other towns to shift costs or reduce local service burdens—a practice that can destabilize receiving communities and leave vulnerable individuals in unprepared settings. The MOU requirement aims to create accountability, ensure adequate services exist at destinations, and prevent the informal "dumping" of individuals across town lines.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and burden-shifting concerns: While preventing unilateral transport, the bill doesn't clarify who pays for treatment or provides services, so municipalities may resist commitment if they face financial responsibility
  • Implementation logistics: Defining what constitutes an adequate MOU, enforcement mechanisms, and what happens when municipalities refuse cooperation remains unclear
  • Individual autonomy: The bill focuses on municipal agreements but doesn't explicitly address whether individuals have choice in destination or whether agreements could restrict their movement to preferred treatment locations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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