New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire Senate Bill SB116

Introduced
1/19/23  
Refer
1/19/23  
Refer
3/23/23  
Refer
3/30/23  

Caption

Relative to discharge from the secure psychiatric unit of the state prison.

Impact

The implications of SB116 could substantially streamline the discharge process for individuals with mental health disorders who have been found not guilty by reason of insanity. By granting the commissioner the power to authorize transfers, the bill seeks to prevent unnecessary confinement in secure settings for individuals who may be better served in less restrictive environments. This change is intended to promote recovery and reintegration into society while maintaining a necessary level of oversight to ensure the safety of both the individuals and the community.

Summary

Senate Bill 116 proposes modifications to the discharge procedures from the secure psychiatric unit of the state prison in New Hampshire. Specifically, it aims to clarify the authority of the commissioner for the department of health and human services regarding the transfer of individuals from the secure psychiatric unit to the state mental health services system. The bill stipulates that transfers can occur when a physician determines that an individual, previously committed under certain criteria, no longer requires the high level of security provided by the psychiatric unit, but still poses a potential danger due to mental health issues.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve the treatment of individuals with mental health needs, it could raise concerns regarding the adequacy of judicial and clinical oversight in the transfer process. Some stakeholders may express worry that the decision-making power allocated to the commissioner without adequate checks could lead to abuses or misjudgments in handling vulnerable populations. Balancing public safety with the rights and needs of individuals suffering from mental illness will be a focal point of the debate surrounding SB116.

Companion Bills

NH SB116

Carry Over Relative to discharge from the secure psychiatric unit of the state prison.

Previously Filed As

NH SB116

Relative to discharge from the secure psychiatric unit of the state prison.

NH HB2

Relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.

NH SB1

Relative to the closing of the Sununu youth services center, making appropriations thereof, and establishing a commission to study community impacts of the secured youth development center.

NH HB639

Relative to the legalization and regulation of cannabis and making appropriations therefor.

NH HB120

Relative to the closure of the Sununu Youth Services Center and operation of a replacement secure facility.

NH SB74

Relative to the department of administrative services.

NH HB32

Relative to possession or discharge of a firearm in a safe school zone.

NH HB49

Relative to postponing the closure of the Sununu Youth Services Center.

NH HB360

An act legalizing cannabis for persons 21 years of age or older.

NH SB175

Relative to Medicaid coverage for mothers.

Similar Bills

TX HB4498

Relating to the transfer and statutory novation of insurance policies from a transferring insurer to an assuming insurer through an insurance business transfer plan; authorizing fees.

TX HB3999

Relating to the transfer and statutory novation of insurance policies from a transferring insurer to an assuming insurer through an insurance business transfer plan; authorizing fees.

LA HB383

Requires each insurer subject to the Louisiana Insurance Guaranty Association Law to provide for a data transfer plan and file such plan with the commissioner of insurance

ME LD1719

An Act Regarding Superintendent Agreements for Transfer Students

CT SB00453

An Act Concerning The Department Of Public Health's Recommendations Regarding Transfers And Discharges Of Residential Care Home Residents.

NJ S2820

Requires appropriate official file information on deaths in county with county clerk; provides additional ways for transferring deceased voter's record to Statewide voter registration system's death file.

NJ A4351

Requires appropriate official file information on deaths in county with county clerk; provides additional ways for transferring deceased voter's record to Statewide voter registration system's death file.

NJ A428

Requires appropriate official file information on deaths in county with county clerk; provides additional ways for transferring deceased voter's record to Statewide voter registration system's death file.