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HB 1215 · 2026 · House · Children and Family Law Committee

Communication access rights and ER transfers

AI-generated

(Second New Title) relative to supporting the preferred method of communication of an individual with a communication disability and relative to transfers from freestanding hospital emergency facilities.

Establishes protections for the preferred communication method of individuals with communication disabilities in state service settings and sets standards, including a ban on coercive practices, governing patient transfers from freestanding emergency facilities to acute care hospitals.AI-generated

Status

Died — conference committee did not agree · June 2, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✕Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill supports the right of individuals with disabilities to use their preferred method of communication within the state service delivery system, including in residential settings and schools and with other service providers.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Jim KofaltRPrime
  • Rep. Bill BoydRClerk· Public Works and Highways
  • Rep. Katelyn KuttabRClerk· Judiciary
  • Rep. Wayne MacDonaldRChair· Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
  • Sen. Kevin AvardRVice Chair· Health and Human Services
  • Sen. Regina BirdsellRMajority Leader
  • Sen. Sharon CarsonRPresident of the Senate

Also: Rep. Jodi NewellD

Public testimony

29 signed in online · 8 wrote testimony

97% support3% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Please support this common sense bill. No one should ever be held back from communicating via the method that works best for them.…”
— Jan Peightell, Candiasupports
“I am writing in strong support of HB 1215, which affirms the right of individuals with developmental disabilities to access and use the communication method that works for them.…”
— Beth Frede, Newmarketsupports
“I support allowing disabled persons the ability to commute in the way of their choice.”
— RUTH PAUL, DERRYsupports

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-02-1710:00 amHouse Children and Family LawGP 230Public hearing
  • 2026-03-0210:00 amHouse Children and Family LawGP 230Public hearing
  • 2026-04-089:00 amSenate Health and Human ServicesSH 100Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Children and Family Law HJ 1 P. 11
  2. Feb 17, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/17/2026 11:00 am GP 230
  3. Mar 2, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 03/02/2026 10:00 am GP 230
  4. Mar 2, 2026House: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0942h (NT) 03/02/2026 (Vote 14-0; CC) HC 10 P. 4
  5. Mar 11, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-0942h: AA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 2
  6. Mar 11, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-0942h: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 2
  7. Mar 12, 2026SenIntroduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Health and Human Services; SJ 7
  8. Apr 8, 2026SenHearing: 04/08/2026, Room 100, SH, 09:00 am; SC 13
  9. Apr 16, 2026SenCommittee Report: Ought to Pass, 04/16/2026, Vote 4-0; SC 14
  10. Apr 16, 2026SenSen. Avard Floor Amendment # 2026-1446s, AA, VV; 04/16/2026; SJ 9
  11. Apr 16, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1446s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 04/16/2026; SJ 9
  12. Apr 16, 2026SenSen. Ricciardi Moved to Reconsider the following action taken by this Body: Rescind Order to Third Reading, Reconsider the Vote on Ought to Pass with Amendment and Reconsider the vote on Floor Amendment #2026-1446s, MA VV; 04/16/2026; SJ 9
  13. Apr 16, 2026SenSen. Avard Floor Amendment # 2026-1446s, AA, VV; 04/16/2026; SJ 9
  14. Apr 16, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1446s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 04/16/2026; SJ 9
  15. Apr 23, 2026HouseHouse Non-Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1446s and Requests CofC (Rep. DeSimone): MA VV 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 84
  16. Apr 23, 2026HouseSpeaker Appoints: Reps. DeSimone, W. MacDonald, Korzen, Rice 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 84
  17. May 7, 2026SenSen. Rochefort Accedes to House Request for Committee of Conference, MA, VV; (In recess 05/07/2026); SJ 12
  18. May 7, 2026SenPresident Appoints: Senators Rochefort, Birdsell, Prentiss; (In Recess 05/07/2026); SJ 12
  19. May 26, 2026HouseConference Committee Meeting: 05/26/2026 10:00 am GP 231
  20. May 20, 2026HouseConferee Change: Rep. Drew Replaces Rep. Korzen 05/20/2026 HJ 13 P. 152
  21. May 21, 2026SenConferee Change; Senator Avard Replaces Senator Birdsell; SJ 13
  22. Jun 2, 2026SenConference Committee Report; Not Signed Off; SJ 14

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.