Citizen in a RepublicNH Bill Briefing
← All bills

HB 1219 · 2026 · House · Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee

Foster care vaccines and Medicare savings

AI-generated

(New Title) relative to immunization requirements in foster family homes and relative to financial eligibility for the Medicare savings program.

As amended, this bill caps immunization requirements for adults in foster homes at the level set by existing public health law, removes the resource limit for the Medicare savings program, and makes the Medicare Part D low income subsidy available to residents, subject to federal approval.AI-generated

Status

Became law without signature · July 10, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✓Senate
  4. ✓Governor
  5. ✓Law

Analysis

This bill provides that there shall be no vaccination or immunization requirements for foster parents that exceed vaccination or immunization requirements under RSA 141-C:20-a, either in type of vaccination, quality of doses, or authorization for exemption.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Melissa LitchfieldRPrime
  • Rep. Erica LayonRChair· Executive Departments and Administration
  • Rep. Robert WherryRChair· Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy
  • Rep. Sayra DeVitoRClerk· Fish and Game and Marine Resources
  • Sen. Bill GannonRChair· Judiciary
  • Sen. Keith MurphyRDeputy President Pro Tempore
  • Sen. Timothy LangRMajority Whip

Also: Rep. Laurence MinerR, Rep. Linda McGrathR, Rep. Matt DrewR, Rep. Michael GrangerR, Rep. Susan DeRoyR, Rep. Yury PolozovR

Public testimony

549 signed in online · 103 wrote testimony

66% support34% oppose0% neutral

ForMedical freedom and bodily autonomy

AgainstVaccines are safe, effective, and evidence-based

AI-generatedLeading arguments, summarized by the testimony tool.

Read the arguments

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Allow people to be foster families & receive the same vaccination requirements and easy exemptions that are included in RSA 141-c:20-a.”
— Susan LaPointe, Eppingsupports
“Please SUPPORT HB 1219 to free medical choice regarding vaccines. There is enough testimony and concern over the long term effects of vaccines to prohibit mandates. Thank you, Marjorie Barton Northfield, NH”
— Marjorie Barton, Northfieldsupports
“Foster care is urgently needed not only in New Hampshire but all over the country. Passing HB1219 would result in more caring individuals and families to support children in need by unifying the vaccination requirements and exemptions.…”
— Nancy Louth, Hamptonsupports
“As a pediatrician I strongly oppose this bill. It will make our children and our communities less healthy and at risk for unnecessary infections.”
— Shelly Heit, Exeteropposes
“I am a nurse of many years, work in community health, public health, school health and infectious disease.These anti-vaccine bills are dangerous, which can lead to vaccine prevent preventable disease outbreaks, and in some cases can be fatal. Vaccines are safe and effective.…”
— Joline Manseau, Hollisopposes
“As a pediatrician with decades of experience, I have seen first-hand the devastating effects of almost every vaccine-preventable disease. Vaccines are the safest, most cost-effective way we have of protecting not just individuals but the health of the entire population.…”
— Gwendolyn Gladstone, Exeteropposes

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-02-049:00 amHouse Health, Human Services and Elderly AffairsGP 158Public hearing
  • 2026-02-182:30 pmHouse Health, Human Services and Elderly AffairsGP 158Public hearingrescheduled
  • 2026-04-161:00 pmSenate Health and Human ServicesSH 100Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs HJ 1 P. 11
  2. Feb 4, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/04/2026 01:00 pm GP 158
  3. Feb 18, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/18/2026 02:30 pm GP 158
  4. Feb 18, 2026HouseMajority : Ought to Pass 02/18/2026 (Vote 10-8; RC) HC 10 P. 49
  5. Feb 25, 2026HouseMinority : Inexpedient to Legislate
  6. Mar 11, 2026HouseFLAM # 2026-1094h (Rep. Mazur): AA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 184
  7. Mar 11, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-1094h: MA RC 180-145 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 184
  8. Mar 12, 2026SenIntroduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Health and Human Services; SJ 7
  9. Apr 16, 2026SenHearing: 04/16/2026, Room 100, SH, 01:30 pm; SC 14
  10. May 14, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass, 05/14/2026, Vote 3-2; SC 18
  11. May 14, 2026SenSen. Rosenwald Floor Amendment # 2026-1943s, AA, VV; 05/14/2026; SJ 12
  12. May 14, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1943s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/14/2026; SJ 12
  13. May 21, 2026HouseHouse Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1943s (Rep. W. MacDonald): MA VV 05/21/2026 HJ 14 P. 11
  14. Jun 4, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 14
  15. Jun 4, 2026HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15
  16. Jul 7, 2026HouseLaw Without Signature 07/07/2026; Chapter 279; eff. 9/5/2026

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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