New Hampshire House Bill HB49

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/23/22
• Refer: 12/23/22
• Report Pass: 3/16/23
• Engrossed: 3/24/23
• Refer: 3/24/23
• Report Pass: 4/5/23
• Enrolled: 4/13/23
• Chaptered: 4/18/23
• Passed: 4/18/23

Caption

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

Impact

The bill aims to address the issues related to the placement of youth in correction settings, acknowledging the potential negative impacts on children. The overall legislative intent is to embolden community-based treatment options rather than confining youth in a detention center like SYSC. It complies with the Families First Act, promoting treatment that prevents criminal behaviors while ensuring the safety of children and the community. By postponing the closure, the law aims to provide necessary time to complete planning and funding for an appropriate replacement that will cater to a smaller number of youths in a more supportive environment.

Summary

House Bill 49, an act relative to postponing the closure of the Sununu Youth Services Center (SYSC), extends the center's closure date from March 1, 2023, to June 30, 2023. This bill allocates a general fund appropriation of $1.5 million to support the SYSC operations for an additional four months as planning for a replacement facility progresses. The legislation also sets clear guidelines for the construction and operational parameters related to a new secured youth development facility intended to replace the SYSC.

Contention

Discussion surrounding HB 49 has highlighted contention over the need for maintaining community-based treatment versus institutionalization of youth offenders. Supporters argue that the measures within HB 49 will prevent youth from becoming further entrenched in the criminal justice system, while opponents may contend that extending the life of a facility like the SYSC without rapid transformation could impede meaningful reform.

Additional_notes

The bill also outlines operational details for the future youth development center, emphasizing a design focused on therapeutic care and trauma-informed practices. It includes clear stipulations that ensure the facility will only accommodate a limited number of beds, avoiding prior issues associated with overcapacity. Furthermore, it mandates that the facility will be state-run rather than privatized, to ensure adherence to the necessary treatment standards for residents.