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NH committee hears testimony against involuntary admissions bill for people with substance use disorder
Summary
Supporters and state officials urged caution on HB 17‑90 FN, saying evidence is mixed and New Hampshire lacks beds, staffing and funding; DHHS estimated construction of a 70‑bed facility at about $40 million and annual operating costs above $33 million. Advocates said voluntary, harm‑reduction services are more effective.
House lawmakers heard two hours of testimony on HB 17‑90 FN, a proposal to allow involuntary civil commitment for certain people with substance use disorder.
Representative Lucy Weber introduced the measure on behalf of Representative Long. John Burns, executive director of SOS Recovery Community Organization and a parent with lived experience, testified in opposition, describing his daughter’s unsuccessful outcomes after involuntary commitments and saying peer‑based, voluntary and harm‑reduction services produced lasting recovery for his family. “Most of the research out there shows it does not work,” Burns said, summarizing a literature review he referenced.
Sponsor Representative Long, who…
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