Governor Chris Sununu Signs HB 1162 Into Law

Concord, NH - Today, Governor Chris Sununu signed HB 1162, relative to adoption and parentage; the office of the child advocate; reimbursement of court ordered services for juveniles; the legal representation of children in the juvenile justice system; the best interest of the child under RSA 169-C and the duties of the oversight commission on children's services; insurance coverage for children's early intervention services; expanding the family-centered early supports and services (FCESS) program to children under the age of 3 who are born substance-exposed; the child abuse and neglect central registry; establishing a kinship navigator program; missing children; dispositional hearings under RSA 169-B; and the rebuttable presumption of harm under the child protection act, into law.

“This bill reaffirms our commitment and builds upon the progress we have made in reforming and enhancing the state’s child welfare system,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “While the Department of Justice has raised concerns regarding this bill as it pertains to the Office of the Child Advocate, I am confident that the Attorney General can work with the Office of the Child Advocate to ensure that the Office operates within appropriate legal limits and consistent with Constitutional requirements.”