Committee approves amendment to SB 515 to align QRTP rules and extend temporary counsel-exception period

Senator Pat Long presented SB 515 FN on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill has two parts: it amends RSA 169-B/C/D language to correctly reflect federal Family First Prevention Services Act requirements for QRTP placements (a comprehensive assessment within 30 days by a qualified individual and judicial review within 60 days), and it would extend a temporary procedural allowance that lets litigation proceed when counsel cannot yet be appointed.

Susan Larrabee, DCYF general counsel, told the committee, "There is no federal requirement that a court order the CAT," explaining that the bill corrects statutory language that misstated federal requirements and described how the department meets the 30-day assessment requirement by contracting with qualified individuals. Larrabee argued that delaying the sunsetting of the phased-in appointment-of-counsel provision until 08/01/2027 would help ensure courts and the department meet federal timelines and timely permanency for children.

Advocacy groups including the Youth Policy Advocacy Coalition and the Childrens Law Center said they supported sections 10 of the bill that align state law with federal QRTP standards but opposed section 4 in its original form because it could create an enduring exception to children's right to counsel. Karen Rosenberg (Disability Rights Center) and Lisa Wolford (Childrens Law Center) urged the committee to adopt the amendment as a compromise to preserve the right to counsel while addressing the departments federal-timing concerns. Wolford said the organization had taken five cases since SB 4 63 took effect and warned that institutionalizing exceptions to counsel could worsen permanency outcomes.

In executive session the committee adopted amendment 2026-0115s, then voted that SB 515 "ought to pass as amended." The transcript records voice votes and committee consent actions; no roll-call tallies were provided.

The bill references federal Family First Prevention Services Act requirements for QRTPs and several RSA provisions; the committee adopted the amendment and advanced the bill to the next procedural stage.