The New Hampshire Legislature convened on September 19, 2025, to discuss the JLCAR Administrative Rules, focusing on kinship care home licensing standards. The meeting addressed a conditional approval request that included three key comments regarding the implementation of new legislation stemming from the 2022 session.

The first comment highlighted a delay in the proposal's implementation, which the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) was expected to clarify. The subsequent two comments, found on page 20 of the conditional approval request packet, raised concerns about the need for potential legislative amendments.

The first of these comments pointed out that while the statute permits the renewal of permits for good cause, the DHHS indicated that permits cannot be renewed due to the inability to draw down federal matching funds during the permitting process. This raised questions about whether the statute should be amended to address this issue.

The second comment noted that although the statute allows for kinship licenses to be issued with conditions that could shorten the licensing period to less than two years, the agency stated that there are no conditions that would necessitate such a shorter duration. This prompted discussions about the need for further legislative review to determine if amendments are required.

Representative Maguire sought clarification on the renewal process, expressing concern that the current two-year licensing period may not accommodate cases that extend beyond that timeframe. DHHS representatives confirmed that licenses can indeed be renewed every two years, provided the caregiver remains eligible. They explained that the agency prefers to maintain the two-year period to allow for flexibility in cases where children may reunite with their parents and subsequently return to care.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of reviewing the comments and considering potential legislative changes to ensure that kinship care licensing effectively meets the needs of families and children in care. Further discussions and follow-up actions are anticipated as the legislature continues to evaluate the implications of the proposed rules.