Revision: March 17, 2025, 12:58 p.m.
Rep. Kuttab, Rock. 17
March 11, 2025
2025-0927h
02/09
Amendment to HB 132-FN
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT relative to liability for familial support under RSA chapter 165, aid to assisted persons.
Amend the bill by replacing section 1 with the following:
1 Liability for Support. Amend RSA 165:19 to read as follows:
165:19 Liability for Support. The relation of any poor person in the line of father, mother, stepfather, stepmother, son, daughter, husband, or wife shall assist or maintain such person when in need of relief. Said relation shall be deemed able to assist such person if [his] their weekly income is more than sufficient to provide a reasonable subsistence compatible with decency and health. [Should a relation refuse to render such aid when requested to do so by a county commissioner, selectman, or overseer of public welfare, such person or persons shall upon complaint of one of these officials be summoned to appear in court. If, after hearing, it is found that the alleged poor person is in need of assistance, and that the relation is able to render such assistance, the court shall enter a decree accordingly and shall fix the amount and character of the assistance which the relation shall furnish. If the relation neglects or refuses to comply with the court order without good cause, as determined by the court at a hearing, or by refusing to work or otherwise voluntarily places himself in a position where he is unable to comply, he shall be deemed to be in contempt of court and shall be imprisoned not more than 90 nor fewer than 60 days.] If a poor person has no relation of sufficient ability, the town or city in which [he] they [resides] reside shall be liable for [his] their support. Aid to a person who is otherwise eligible for assistance under this chapter shall not be withheld due to the failure of a legally liable relative to respond to the welfare administrator, or their refusal to provide aid. Any town or city furnishing aid may seek reimbursement from any legally liable relative with sufficient means to provide the reimbursement without financial hardship.
2025-0927h
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill changes the standard of responsibility of relatives to support poor persons.