Revision: Dec. 1, 2025, 9:38 a.m.
HB 1215 - AS INTRODUCED
2026 SESSION
26-2892
05/08
HOUSE BILL 1215
SPONSORS: Rep. Kofalt, Hills. 32; Rep. B. Boyd, Hills. 12; Rep. Newell, Ches. 4; Rep. Kuttab, Rock. 17; Rep. W. MacDonald, Rock. 16; Sen. Avard, Dist 12; Sen. Birdsell, Dist 19; Sen. Carson, Dist 14
COMMITTEE: Children and Family Law
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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.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
26-2892
05/08
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Short Title. This act shall be known as “Grace’s Law”.
2 New Section; Services for the Developmentally Disabled; Right to Preferred Method of Communication. Amend RSA 171-A by inserting after section 4 the following new section:
171-A:4-a Right to Preferred Method of Communication.
I. An individual with a developmental disability who is receiving services under this chapter shall have the right to communicate using any of the following methods, and such methods shall be recognized and supported in group homes, schools, and public institutions within the state service delivery system:
(a) Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) techniques and devices.
(b) Independent use of letterboards and independent typing-based communication.
(c) Sign language and non-verbal gestural systems.
(d) Speech-generating devices or any other assistive technology.
II. Trained staff, including direct support professionals (DSPs), educators, and health care providers of communication methods shall make all reasonable efforts to accommodate an individual’s preferred method of communication.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.