New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB1566

Introduced

12/10/25

Refer

12/10/25

Report Pass

3/2/26

Engrossed

3/17/26

Refer

3/17/26

Refer

4/10/26

Caption

Directing the department of health and human services to seek clarification from the Administration for Children and Families regarding the use of TANF reserve funds and repealing the requirement that the department of health and human services' biennial budget request include funding for certain child care workforce programs.

Impact

The impact of HB 1566 is significant for child care providers in New Hampshire, as it seeks to ensure financial support through recruitment and retention grants. Should the federal government deny the use of TANF funds, the contingent appropriation will safeguard funding availability to help alleviate staffing shortages in the child care sector. The bill is essential in addressing the broader issue of child care accessibility, which has been strained in recent years, impacting families and working parents across the state.

Summary

House Bill 1566 aims to make a contingent appropriation to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services for recruitment and benefit grants to child care employers. It allocates $7,500,000 for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, sourced from federal TANF reserve funds, contingent on receiving federal approval for this purpose. This bill acknowledges that in case the federal government does not approve the use of TANF funds, a total of $15,000,000 will be appropriated to support these grants in FY 2027 from the state general fund.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1566 appears to be predominantly supportive, given its intent to bolster child care services—a critical area of concern for many families. Legislators and stakeholders within the child care community likely view the funding as necessary to enhance workforce stability and improve service delivery. However, there might be some apprehension regarding reliance on federal approval, thus introducing an element of uncertainty about the bill's actual provisions becoming effective.

Contention

While the bill is generally well-received, a point of contention lies in the dependence on federal actions regarding TANF funds. Critics may argue that tying state appropriations to federal decisions creates vulnerabilities in funding child care services. There may be concerns over the adequacy of grants in meeting the financial needs of child care employers, and stakeholders may vocalize the importance of securing these funds independently from federal approval to ensure stability in early childhood education services.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB775

Directing the department of health and human services to issue a request for proposals for supervised visitation centers.

NH HB455

Relative to reports by the department of health and human services regarding Medicaid enhancement for children and pregnant women.

NH SB113

Making appropriations to the department of health and human services for homeless services and homeless prevention.

NH HB357

Relative to the department of health and human services' rulemaking authority regarding immunization requirements.

NH HB518

Requiring the commissioner of the department of health and human services to provide a detailed annual report of all costs incurred by the division for children, youth and families.

NH HB392

Directing the dissolution of the department of health and human services' office of health equity, department of environmental services' functions for civil rights and environmental justice, and the governor's council on diversity and inclusion.

NH HB767

Expanding requirements for reports to law enforcement by the department of health and human services.

NH HB661

Relative to the department of health and human services management of social security payments, supplemental security income payments, and veterans benefits for children in foster care.

NH HB519

Making an appropriation to the department of health and human services to fund and support the Waypoint youth and young adult shelter.

NH SB114

Making appropriations to the department of health and human services to support community and transitional housing through community mental health centers.

Similar Bills

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB280

PA SB1161

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.