HB 1337 · 2026 · House · Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee
Repeal autism spectrum disorders council
AI-generatedrepealing the New Hampshire council on autism spectrum disorders.
Repeals the New Hampshire council on autism spectrum disorders.AI-generated
Status
Vetoed by the governor — the override vote has not been held yet · July 10, 2026- ✓Introduced
- ✓House
- ✓Senate
- Governor
- Law
Governor's veto message
“The New Hampshire Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders remains an active group providing valuable feedback to the Department of Motor Vehicles from parents, service providers, and advocates about issues affecting individuals with autism spectrum disorder. As it is a volunteer board, it is done at little to no cost to taxpayers. The Department of Motor Vehicles appreciates the feedback and work it has done and continues to do with this Council; therefore, I am vetoing House Bill 1337.”
A passage from the Governor's veto message, quoted verbatim. The full message enters the record on veto day.
Analysis
This bill repeals the New Hampshire council on autism spectrum disorders.
From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.
In the bill's words
Quoted verbatim from the bill as passed by both chambers.
“The division of motor vehicles[, in consultation with the New Hampshire council on autism spectrum and trauma and stressor-related disorders,] shall design and make available at no cost blue envelopes that:”
The bracketed text shows the council reference being struck from the blue envelope program for drivers.AI-generated
“RSA 171-A:32, relative to the New Hampshire council on autism spectrum disorders, and the subdivision heading preceding RSA 171-A:32.”
This repeals the statute that established the council, the bill's central action.AI-generated
“RSA 171-A:33, I(d), relative to appointment of a representative of the council on autism spectrum disorders to the developmental services quality council.”
It also removes the council's seat on the developmental services quality council.AI-generated
“This act shall take effect December 31, 2027.”
The repeal is delayed rather than immediate, taking effect at the end of 2027.AI-generated
Official record
gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source
Sponsors
Public testimony
72 signed in online · 29 wrote testimony
29% support69% oppose1% neutral
ForCouncil has produced no measurable outcomes
AgainstOnly state body dedicated to autism
AI-generatedLeading arguments, summarized by the testimony tool.
Read the argumentsIn their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted
“I strongly support HB 1337. The New Hampshire Autism Council has not functioned as intended for years. Families and autistic adults have not seen measurable outcomes, accountability, or meaningful improvements tied to this Council’s work.…”
“To the Honorable Members of the House Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee: I submit this testimony in support of HB 1337. The New Hampshire Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders was established to advise state agencies, coordinate stakeholders, and produce recommendations to improve services and outcomes for individuals with autism.…”
“I strongly support the repeal of the council that provides support to children with autism and their families. These families rely on critical resources, advocacy, and coordinated services.…”
“The very idea of repealing autism from NH state law does not mean it will go away.”
“The fact is that this group has not gotten anything done, picks its own members, and receives state funds that should be allocated elsewhere. Let the supporters of this group form their own non-profit/volunteer organization.”
“I oppose this bill because it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to have a committee that helps parents of autistic children and the autistic children themselves. Who else will advocate if not fir them. PLEASE do not support them abolishing the committee”
“This morning I woke up, turned to my nightstand and reached for my iPad. My daughter’s MIL is currently in ICU and I wanted to see if there were updates. As I was looking I noticed I had some new emails.…”
Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.
Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026
Hearings and debates
- Feb 25, 2026Public hearingHouse Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs5:22–57:4252m 20s
- Mar 4, 2026Executive sessionHouse Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs31:35–39:398m 4s
- Mar 11, 2026Floor debateHouse floor8:35:42–8:45:5810m 16sTimestamp located by Whisper transcription (this session video has no YouTube captions).
- Apr 15, 2026Public hearingSenate Health and Human Services21:32–1:14:2052m 48s
Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.
Votes
yeanay- Mar 4, 2026HouseCommittee report· regular calendar: Ought to Pass10–8Overall56% yea
- Mar 11, 2026HouseDivisionLay HB1337 on Table (Rep. Stringham)Failed159–168Overall49% yea
- Overall53% yeaParty-line voteRepublicans176–597% yeaDemocrats2–1501% yea
- Overall100% yea
- Resulting text: Bill as amended by the Senate
- May 20, 2026HouseVoice voteHouse Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1867s (Rep. W. MacDonald)adoptedResulting text: Bill as adopted by both chambers
Legislative history
- Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs HJ 1 P. 16
- Feb 25, 2026House==CANCELLED== Public Hearing: 02/25/2026 09:00 am GP 158
- Feb 25, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/25/2026 09:00 am GP 158
- Mar 4, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 03/04/2026 09:00 am GP 158
- Mar 4, 2026House: Ought to Pass 03/04/2026 (Vote 10-8; RC) HC 10 P. 50
- Mar 11, 2026HouseLay HB1337 on Table (Rep. Stringham): MF DV 159-168 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 187
- Mar 11, 2026HouseOught to Pass: MA RC 178-155 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 187
- Mar 12, 2026SenIntroduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Health and Human Services; SJ 7
- Apr 15, 2026SenHearing: 04/15/2026, Room 100, SH, 09:15 am; SC 14
- May 14, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1867s, 05/14/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 18
- May 14, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-1867s, AA, VV; 05/14/2026; SJ 12
- May 14, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1867s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/14/2026; SJ 12
- May 20, 2026HouseHouse Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1867s (Rep. W. MacDonald): MA VV 05/20/2026 HJ 14 P. 11
- Jun 4, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 14
- Jun 4, 2026HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15
- Jul 2, 2026HouseVetoed by Governor Ayotte 07/02/2026
Coverage
- HB 1337 (2026) | NH LegislationCitizens Count
HB 1337 would repeal the New Hampshire council on autism spectrum disorders.AI-generated
Background reading
Evergreen reading on the policy area — spanning perspectives — not coverage of this specific bill.
Connecticut Office of Policy and Management — Describes a state autism advisory council's makeup and its role advising officials on services and policy.AI-generated
- About UsNH context
NH Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders — The council's own account of its statutory mission to coordinate autism-related health, education, and services in New Hampshire.AI-generated
Concord Monitor — An op-ed making the streamlining and accountability case that informs HB 1337's repeal of the council.AI-generated
- HB 1337 (2026)NH context
Citizens Count — A nonpartisan summary of the bill repealing the New Hampshire Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders and its status.AI-generated
- Public PolicyCritics
Autism Society — An advocacy organization's view on the value of dedicated bodies and forums that shape autism services and policy.AI-generated
New Hampshire Family Voices — A family-support organization's description of the council's origins and work in the state.AI-generated
Documents (PDF)
- Introducedversion
- As Amended by the Senateversion
- Adopted by both chambersversion
- Chaptered (final law)version
- Amendment 2026-1867samendment
- Governor's veto statementveto
Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.