Rep. Jennifer Rhodes’ House Bill 348 was signed into law by Governor Kelly Ayotte, updating New Hampshire’s local welfare laws to allow municipalities to verify residency before providing local assistance. The legislation aims to improve fairness in how welfare costs are shared among communities while maintaining aid for eligible residents.
The legislation, now Chapter 81, changes how New Hampshire municipalities may determine eligibility and financial responsibility for local welfare assistance. It took effect July 21.
HB 348 allows municipalities to require proof of residency as part of their local welfare guidelines and creates a process for resolving disputes when more than one municipality may be responsible for providing assistance.
At a Senate hearing on the bill, Rhodes said municipalities have discretion in administering local relief, but that state law establishes many of the underlying requirements. She described HB 348 as an option communities could choose to incorporate into their local welfare guidelines.
The range of acceptable evidence was also expanded. Applicants may use documents such as a recent lease, vehicle registration, utility bill or government or court document. They may also provide written verification from certain officials or service providers, including welfare officials, law enforcement, emergency medical personnel or local social-service organizations with an existing relationship with the applicant.
The final version also includes protections for people facing emergencies. Individuals who have left another community because of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault or human trafficking cannot be disqualified because of residency. Municipalities must also provide temporary emergency assistance while residency is being verified or a dispute between municipalities is being resolved.
HB 348 also establishes an inter-municipal hearing process. If another municipality is determined to be responsible for an applicant’s assistance, it can be required to reimburse the community that initially provided help and assume or continue responsibility for that assistance.
The proposal drew opposition from advocates concerned that residency documentation could create barriers for people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. New Hampshire Legal Assistance noted, however, that several of its major concerns with the original proposal were addressed before passage, including removal of the 90-day requirement, expansion of acceptable documentation and elimination of a proposed cap on assistance.
For Rhodes, HB 348 represents one of the more substantial pieces of legislation she sponsored during the 2025–2026 legislative term. The final bill passed both chambers after amendment and was signed by the governor, becoming Chapter 81 of the Laws of 2026.
