SB 161 (2025): making technical corrections to statutes governing out-of-state placements for children.

SB 161 (2025)

making technical corrections to statutes governing out-of-state placements for children.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Children and Family Law
• Senate committee: Children and Family Law
• Subject: Children
• Chapter law: 99

The Story

It was introduced on January 9, 2025 and referred to the Senate Children and Family Law committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 20, 2025. The committee voted unanimously, 3–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2025-0539s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2025-0539s) was adopted on a voice vote on March 6, 2025, changing the text of the bill. On March 6, 2025 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on March 27, 2025 and was referred to the House Children and Family Law committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 8, 2025, with 5 people signed in online: 5 in support. The committee met in executive session on April 8, 2025 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 14–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2025-1539h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2025-1539h) was adopted on a voice vote on May 1, 2025, changing the text of the bill. On May 1, 2025 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. On May 8, 2025 the Senate voted to agree to the other chamber's changes on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Daryl Abbas. The bill was enrolled on June 5, 2025 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on June 17, 2025, making it Chapter 99 of the session laws. It took effect on January 1, 2026.

Sponsors

• Sen. Regina Birdsell (R - SD19) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Pat Long (D - SD20)
• Sen. Sharon Carson (R - SD14)

Hearings and Sessions

• February 20, 2025, 9:45 AM: hearing, Senate Children and Family Law, LOB 101
• March 6, 2025: consent calendar, Senate
• April 8, 2025, 10:30 AM: public hearing, House Children and Family Law, LOB 206-208
• April 8, 2025, 10:30 AM: executive session, House Children and Family Law, LOB 206-208
• May 1, 2025: consent calendar, House
• May 8, 2025: floor debate, Senate

Votes

• March 6, 2025, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2025-0539s — voice vote, passed
• May 1, 2025, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2025-1539h — voice vote, passed
• May 8, 2025, Senate: Concur with the House Amendment — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 169-C:19-b
• RSA 169-F:5
• RSA 169-F:7

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SC 10
• SC 11
• HC 22, page 7