New Hampshire Senate Bill SB406

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/12/23
• Refer: 12/12/23
• Report Pass: 3/20/24
• Report Pass: 4/9/24
• Engrossed: 4/12/24
• Refer: 4/12/24
• Report Pass: 5/15/24
• Enrolled: 7/15/24
• Chaptered: 7/30/24
• Passed: 7/30/24

Caption

Making an appropriation to the department of health and human services to increase rates for shelter programs.

Impact

The bill is designed to have a significant impact on local municipalities, enabling them to provide better shelter and emergency housing assistance. Funding is expected to facilitate increased operational rates for shelter programs during a critical time for housing support, especially as communities recover and adapt from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The allocation of these funds is subject to the stipulation that it must prioritize veterans, which will guide the distribution of services within the community.

Summary

SB406 is an act appropriating $2.5 million to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services for the purpose of increasing rates paid to shelter programs for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The bill emphasizes support for services targeted at veterans and prohibits assistance to individuals not legally present in the United States. This measure reflects the state's ongoing effort to address homelessness and enhance support for vulnerable populations, particularly veterans in need of shelter services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB406 is generally positive among sponsors and advocates who see the importance of addressing homelessness and supporting veterans. However, there are concerns regarding the funding structure, particularly the lapse of appropriated funds at the end of the fiscal year, which could jeopardize the timely implementation of the program. Some legislative members expressed caution about the sustainability of the funding without a clear long-term plan, making this a point of discussion during committee reviews.

Contention

A notable point of contention is the conditional funding that emphasizes services for veterans while excluding individuals without legal status. Critics argue that this limitation could undermine broader efforts to provide comprehensive homelessness solutions. Additionally, the bill's lapse provisions for appropriated funds could lead to complications in the management of the shelter programs. These issues may provoke further debate regarding inclusivity and the ethical implications of prioritizing one demographic over others in need.