New Hampshire House Bill HB521

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23
• Report Pass: 2/8/23
• Refer: 2/14/23

Caption

Relative to the department of education payment for placement for an episode of treatment.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will significantly affect state laws concerning how educational funding is distributed for students requiring special treatment. It expands the definitions related to special education and ensures that provisions for paying associated costs are included. The state will be responsible for covering any expenses that exceed certain thresholds related to the treatment of children with disabilities. This financial structure aims to lessen the burden on local school districts while ensuring that these vulnerable students receive the support they require.

Summary

House Bill 521 aims to address the financial responsibilities associated with the educational costs of children placed in treatment programs through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Specifically, it defines what constitutes an 'episode of treatment' and establishes the framework for how the Department of Education will allocate funds for these placements. The bill is seen as a means to provide necessary support for children facing mental health crises to receive appropriate services without resorting to psychiatric hospitals or emergency rooms.

Contention

The discussions surrounding this bill may include debates about the responsibilities of the state versus local districts in providing necessary educational services for children placed under DHHS care. Notable points of contention may arise regarding the adequacy of funding, potential bureaucratic inefficiencies, and how the bill might impact parents' choices in treatment options for their children. The bill introduces mechanisms for emergency assistance to communities, which suggests a recognition of the importance of local context in determining educational needs.