ST LUOpposeMerrimack, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
As an adult recently screened for AUDHD this bill feels incredibly draconian. My life has been plagued by many struggles that I was not given the proper resources or care to manage, and have only recently been fortunate enough to take steps to address. I cannot speak for the complete efficacy of this council, but if it spares even one person from the difficult road I've walked it is worth its weight in gold. Members of the neurodivergent community have only just begun to receive acknowledgement and representation in the world. Now is not the time to dismantle what they have been given. I STRONGLY oppose this bill and recommend ITL.
Barbara SpikeOpposePlymouth, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
This Council brings together families, providers, educators, and state leaders to identify gaps, improve coordination, and services. It is essential to keep this New Hampshire Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders!
Moira RyanSupportLondonderry, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
To: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee
Re: HB 1337 – AN ACT repealing the New Hampshire council on autism spectrum disorders
hb1337
Position: Support (Ought to Pass)
Chair and Members of the Committee:
My name is Moira Ryan, and I am submitting testimony in support of HB 1337, which repeals RSA 171-A:32 (the New Hampshire Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders) and related statutory references.
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I support repeal for a simple reason: the Council’s structure and practices create too much risk for too little public value. New Hampshire families affected by autism deserve transparent, accountable, and effective work—not another layer of government activity that can operate without meaningful oversight.
1) If a body uses public authority/resources, it must comply with public accountability
RSA 171-A:32 establishes the Council to provide leadership and coordination for education, healthcare, and services.
But in practice, families experience a body that is too easy to run like a private club—especially when it comes to:
Public access: Meetings held in locations or formats that are not meaningfully accessible to the public. (A public council should not function like an invite-only stakeholder group.)
Right-to-Know compliance: Under New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know principles, minutes are expected to be made available promptly (commonly within five business days) and meetings must be noticed and conducted in a way the public can attend/observe.
Remote-meeting claims: RSA 91-A includes specific requirements for remote participation (identifying remote participants, roll call votes, etc.). If a council is meeting “100% remote,” it should be able to clearly point to the statute and the compliance steps being used.
When a council repeatedly fails the basics—access, minutes, responsiveness—it undermines public trust and harms the very families it claims to serve.
2) The Council’s outputs do not justify its continued existence
HB 1337 specifically removes the requirement that DMV consult the Council for the Blue Envelope Program design.
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The Blue Envelope Program itself is already established in RSA 265:3-c and can be administered by DMV without a standing council.
If one of the Council’s most visible “wins” is limited to design input on a program another agency can run, that is not a win.
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an ongoing council with ongoing costs.
3) Representation and scope problems: families outside the “most severe” are left out
Autism is a spectrum. Many individuals and families fall outside the narrow “most severe disability” frame yet still face urgent needs: school disputes, service navigation gaps, transition-to-adulthood planning, workforce barriers, housing, transportation, co-occurring conditions, and caregiver stability.
When a council’s agenda consistently centers a subset of the spectrum while ignoring the broader population, it becomes unrepresentative by design—and families conclude (correctly) that the council is not for them.
4) Appointment and conflict-of-interest concerns warrant repeal, not patchwork fixes
A legitimate public council needs clear appointment pathways, transparency about membership, and safeguards against capture by professional advocates or organizations that lobby for funding or policy outcomes.
RSA 171-A:32 contemplates a formal public membership structure.
If a council drifts into self-appointment or informal gatekeeping—or tolerates persistent conflicts of interest—it cannot credibly claim to speak for New Hampshire families. Marissa Berg NIS and has ties to the Area Agency. Sarah A. was also on the committee and she is married to Alex, a formal lobbyist and Sarah is on the Quality Council. ABLE, a notorious lobbying group is also on the Autism Committee. Those are just some examples.
This is not a problem you fix with “best practices.” It’s a problem you fix by ending the structure and reassigning any truly necessary tasks to agencies that already have public accountability.
5) Better alternative: move essential functions into accountable agencies
If the legislature believes certain coordination functions are still needed after repeal, they should be placed where the public can demand results:
DHHS (service navigation, Medicaid/waiver alignment, adult services coordination)
DOE (school-age supports and compliance coordination)
DMV (Blue Envelope implementation)
And any future advisory group should be time-limited, with:
a defined charter and deliverables,
mandatory public reporting,
strict Right-to-Know compliance, and
an appointment process that prevents capture.
Conclusion
HB 1337 is the right step. The Council, as structured and experienced by families, is a low-accountability body with limited deliverables. Repeal will protect public trust and allow New Hampshire to rebuild autism-related coordination in a way that is transparent, representative, and measurably effective.
For these reasons, I respectfully request the Committee vote Ought to Pass on HB 1337.
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Respectfully submitted,
Moira Ryan
Eve HiattOpposeNew London, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
With diagnoses of autism and spectrum disorders on the rise, a decision to dismantle current support of individuals and families requiring developmental, educational and mental health services would have longterm damaging effects both on individual, family and community health and well-being. NH needs to support professional providers specifically trained to diagnose and help individuals develop their full potential for productive lives and prevent strain on families.
Amy RheaumeOpposeDerry, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
Members of the Committee:
Thank you for taking time to read my testimony. I strongly oppose this HB1337. I am a parent of an adult child with autism spectrum disorder. I am also a member nominated by this council, waiting on the governor’s appointment like others spoke of in today’s testimony.
As stated in testimony, I am very thankful that the council helped establish the blue envelope program. My son is working towards his drivers license and the blue envelope is going to give me peace as a parent that a police officer will know how to interact with my son if gets pulled over or gets in an accident.
A subcommittee has just formed as part of the council to develop a New Hampshire resource page on our website. This is a critical sub-committee as no other website in the state of New Hampshire has such a resource for people with autism or families with those with autism.
Many people spoke regarding the barriers of us being a successful council over the past year and half. One of those barriers is the attendance online, during our meetings, by Shannon Bouchard. She is the individual who partnered with Mr. MacDonald to sponsor HB1337. We meet as a council for 1.5 hours on a monthly basis. Each time we meet, she logs on remotely, and causes our committee to respond to her for 10 minutes plus of our meeting time to discuss whether we are meeting quorum or following RSA’s. Our council chair, respectfully answers her questions, but agenda items are not addressed fully as they could be to this line of questioning.
People with autism or families of loved ones with autism are suffering and need help. Each minute of this council meeting and its subcommittee’s matter. Please do not stop the New Hampshire autism council from meeting.
Also, I came to testify against this last year, but due to this hearing being held on February break, I am with my family and could not attend today, but would’ve liked to.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and to listen to everyone today.
If possible, please do anything you can to strengthen this council and get our member appointed members nominated by our Governor.
Amy Rheaume,
Derry, NH
Darlene GildersleeveOpposeHopkinton, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
As a parent of 2 with Autism, I oppose HB1337 and would like the Autism Council repealed. It is beaurocratic and ineffective. In the distant past it may have hekped peopke but those days are long gone as those parents have moved on. This council is now just another ineffective voice for those that truly need it.
Please oppose HB1337
Thank you,
Darlene Gildersleeve
Shannon BouchardSupportSandown, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
HB 1337 — SUPPORT
Repeal of the New Hampshire Autism Council
Submitted by: Shannon Bouchard?NH Parent & Advocate
Key Points
* The Autism Council has produced no measurable outcomes for autistic individuals or families despite years of funding.
* In 2022, membership changed from gubernatorial appointments to members selecting members, concentrating authority in a small, unelected group.
* Decisions and spending are controlled by a small quorum, with limited transparency and accountability.
* The council does not provide services, oversee implementation, or enforce policy.
* Families continue to face long waitlists and fragmented systems with no improvement linked to council activity.
Why Repeal Is Appropriate
Advisory councils should be transparent, accountable, and outcome-driven.?The Autism Council does not meet these standards.
Maintaining a non-functional structure does not help families.?HB 1337 allows the Legislature to refocus on real oversight and results.
Request
Please SUPPORT HB 1337.
Families need action, not another advisory council.
Angela FletcherOpposeStoddard, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
My name is Angela Fletcher and I am a parent, advocate, and liaison. I strongly oppose repealing the New Hampshire Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders.
The Autism Council is not duplicative of the New Hampshire Quality Council. The Quality Council only represents individuals who qualify for certain Medicaid waivers. Many autistic individuals in New Hampshire do not qualify for those waivers but still need representation. The Autism Council serves all people with autism, regardless of service eligibility.
Claims about quorum are misleading. The Council has been meeting lawfully. While some seats require gubernatorial appointment, two-thirds do not and are currently filled. Appointment delays should not be used as a reason to eliminate an entire council.
The Council has also been productive. It played an instrumental role in developing materials for the state’s Blue Envelope Program, improving safety for individuals with autism and anxiety during interactions with law enforcement.
Autism is complex and affects people across a broad spectrum. A specialized council ensures those voices are heard. Instead of repeal, we should strengthen and renew this council so it can continue its important work.
I respectfully urge you to oppose repeal and support strengthening the Autism Council.
Phyllis GrothNeutralSurry, NHfor My DaughterFeb 25, 2026
Good Morning
This morning I woke up, turned to my nightstand and reached for my iPad. My daughter’s MIL is currently in ICU and I wanted to see if there were updates. As I was looking I noticed I had some new emails. I have been actually waiting on an assignment for an investigator for my Daughter Haley. No updates for MIL, on to email for BEAS. There was an email from MDS with news of a repeal on HB1337. Anything with Autism will catch my eye, as this concerns my daughter. As her mother, I am her number one advocate.
To be honest, I had to read this a few times. Then came the questions, Who, Why, Where, What, How. As there is no time for me to research as much as I need to, because the meeting is basically now, I would like much more information on this.
From what I am reading from the complaint is there is an oversight committee on Autism that was assigned, that sounds like the members of that committee need oversight themselves? Again with the same questions, Who are they, How did they get on the committee, What have they each done while on the committee, Where are the records of what has or has not been achieved on the committee, When can we see the results they have on records on their progress, and most importantly, Will they share this information quickly.
The Blue Envelope, I have seen just recently when I was searching for information around the NH.GOV website. I believe on The State Police site, there is voluntary information you can give on yourself or that of a loved one. It puts you in the system so that when one is stopped by the police it will come up for them in their information so that they are aware of the disability. I think this is brilliant and I have also seen in other States that the local police have programs that those on the Spectrum can sign up for a program that they will actually be stopped as a rehearsal for those on the Spectrum. Yes, brilliant and I have put that on a list to call our local Keene Police Chief to talk with him about this. Again, I have not had time to read into “ The Blue Envelope” but if this is what it is about, then I support that whole heartedly.
Anything that is in support of Spectrum Disorders, I appreciate. While looking this up, I see that there have been HB with the same numbers, but are for other things in the past. Again, I did not know this about HB, and would hate for Autism to get lost in another bill for weapons? Very confusing.
Charges have been brought up that claim misappropriation has happened. Is there proof? What is the proof, How will the members respond, and Do these individuals need to be replaced instead of the whole committee itself? Should there be something put in place to insure that those who need the help in Autism, are getting what they need. This is most important, as I am in a case of Conflict of Interest for my daughter Haley now. That is why I am waiting on an Investigator to be assigned to her case.
There must be a way to insure that these things Do Not Happen. That is why measures are put in place for those who can not help themselves. That is why we are here, to help them, to protect them, and to make sure that these measures are in place to do that.
Thank you for all that you do, protecting the rights of my daughter Haley Groth.
Phyllis Groth
Mother and Daughters Advocate
Jane HaighOpposeManchester, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
Please oppose this bill which would cancel the Autism Council before it has a real chance to do its work
Catherine M SpinneyOpposePelham, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
Please OPPOSE HB 1337. As someone who served on the Quality Council for over a decade and who Chaired it for 7 years, the Quality Council is no replacement for the Autism Council. The Quality Council concerns itself with issues within the Developmental Disabilities system. Some of those served have an Autism diagnosis. But there are a vast number of people with an Autism diagnosis who are NOT part of the DD system. The Autism Council concerns itself with ALL people who experience Autism where the Quality Council does not. The two Councils have very different charges and one is no substitute for the other. Please vote NO on bill HB1337.
Tami Lanzillo ZeimetzOpposeGilford, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
We are curious as to why this information would not be needed. Are we planning to limit necessary services and programs that are most definitely needed? This sounds like a bill that would want to either severely reduce or completely eliminate a proper plan for our Autistic students.
Barbara OConnellOpposeBrookline, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
I oppose because autism deserves representation of a council to better understand the impacts to this part of the population.
Amie RugglesOpposeGilford, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
Hello,
My name is Amie Ruggles, and I live in Gilford, New Hampshire. I am the mother of two children on the autism spectrum. I am speaking today in strong opposition to HB 1337, which would eliminate the New Hampshire Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders.
As a parent of autistic children, I rely on services and supports that help my children thrive. The Council is the only group in state law focused specifically on improving services and supports for people with autism and their families. It brings together families, providers, educators, and state leaders to identify gaps in services and improve coordination. Without this Council, families like mine have no formal voice in shaping the programs and policies that directly affect our children’s lives.
We need this Council because autism affects every aspect of a child’s life, education, healthcare, social development, and community participation. The Council provides a critical forum for sharing knowledge, highlighting needs, and coordinating resources so that children and families do not fall through the cracks.
Eliminating it would leave families like mine with no state-level support, guidance, or advocacy. My children deserve access to coordinated, evidence-based services that help them reach their full potential. Without the Council, we risk reversing the progress we have made in New Hampshire to support autistic individuals and their families.
I urge the committee to oppose HB 1337 and maintain this vital resource for families, children, and the broader autism community in our state.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Amie Ruggles
Matthew BouchardSupportManchester, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
My name is Matthew Bouchard, and I am here as a brother to an autistic sister.
I have watched my family navigate autism day in and day out for years. Autism does not pause for meetings, reports, or restarts. Families live this every single day — coordinating care, fighting for services, managing crises, and trying to plan for the future with very little support.
Since COVID, we were told the Autism Council would “restart.” We were told things would improve. Years later, nothing meaningful has changed for families like mine. The same barriers exist. The same gaps in services remain. The same exhaustion and frustration are still there.
From the family side, the Council has not made a difference in our daily reality. It has not improved access to services, reduced waitlists, or provided clear, practical support. What it has done is create the appearance that the state is addressing autism — while families continue to struggle on their own.
A council that exists mostly on paper does not help autistic people. Oversight that produces no outcomes is not oversight. Keeping a non-functioning council in statute does not protect families — it delays real reform.
Repealing this Council is not turning away from autism. It is acknowledging that this structure has failed families and that we need a new, more accountable approach that actually listens to those living this every day.
My sister deserves more than promises. Families deserve more than restarts that lead nowhere. I urge you to support repeal so the state can stop pretending this system works and start building something that does.
Thank you for listening.
Stephanie BurnhamOpposeHudson, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
The Autism Council deserves support.
Fredrick RoyerSupportHooksett, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
Chair and Members of the Health and Elderly Services Committee,
Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony. I am a grandparent of a child on the autism spectrum, and I am writing in support of repealing the Autism Council.
For years, this Council has not operated as the statute intended. It has existed largely on paper, with inconsistent participation, repetitive meetings, and little evidence of meaningful outcomes for autistic individuals or their families. Despite this, the Council has continued to remain in statute and collect state funds.
As a family member, I care about real support—services, accountability, and results. Unfortunately, those state funds have not translated into tangible benefits for families like mine. A nonfunctioning council creates the illusion of oversight while allowing serious gaps in services and accountability to persist.
Repeal is not a rejection of autism services or advocacy. It is an honest acknowledgment that this structure has failed and that continuing to fund a body that does not function as designed does not serve the public or the autism community.
Autistic people and their families deserve better than a council that exists in name only. I respectfully urge the Committee to support repeal and allow the state to pursue meaningful, accountable reform.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
sincerely,
Fredrick Royer
Adam ThompsonOpposeNashua, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
The New Hampshire Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders provides an important structure for coordination, expertise, and lived experience input across systems that affect autistic residents and their families.
Autism policy touches education, healthcare, employment, housing, and developmental services. The council helps inform state agencies and legislative bodies so they understand the real world needs, service gaps, and policy impacts affecting autistic residents and their families. Without a dedicated advisory body, that coordination risks becoming fragmented.
Advisory councils are not symbolic. They create a formal pathway for families, self advocates, clinicians, educators, and service providers to inform policy decisions and identify gaps before they become crises. Eliminating the council removes a consistent mechanism for that input at a time when demand for autism related supports continues to grow.
Many individuals on the spectrum navigate complex service systems throughout their lives. A centralized advisory body helps ensure policies are responsive, aligned, and informed by real-world experience.
Repealing it will reduce visibility, accountability, and collaboration across agencies.
This bill raises a broader question: how New Hampshire ensures that autistic residents and their families continue to have a structured voice in state policymaking. If improvements or restructuring are needed, those conversations should occur with stakeholders at the table, not through elimination of the forum itself.
For these reasons, I respectfully urge the committee to find HB 1337 inexpedient to legislate.
Amy Wheeler TeasOpposeNashua, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
We cannot better serve/help our Autistic brothers and sisters if we dissolve things like the Autism Council. Supporting the council helps us support individuals and families living with Autism.
Paula MargenauOpposeDUNBARTON, ALfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
Parents and adults of individuals with autism NEED to have a voice!! We need to be able to help protect our children and we can not do it under this council. The council is completely ineffective with zero results for one of the most vulnerable populations, we are just repeating history over and over and wasting precious time and money. Worse, we are wasting precious years for these individuals who could be living a better life.
Eileen HullOpposeDanville, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
I oppose this bill because it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to have a committee that helps parents of autistic children and the autistic children themselves. Who else will advocate if not fir them. PLEASE do not support them abolishing the committee
Paul BeaulieuSupportSandown, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
The autism council needs to be repealed as it is not accountable and there are no actual outcomes from this failed council.
Jennifer PikeSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
Good Afternoon,
I am writing to respectfully request that you support HB 1337 to repeal the Autism Support Council. I was a part of the original Council which met faithfully monthly and spearheaded meaningful projects and took regular action to assist this population. However, over the past several years there have been months and even years with literally no action from this group, and when they do meet they do not advertise their meetings for participants and do not promote any actions to assist this very important population. There must be strict definitions of this group followed precisely with the benefits of this population in mind. It is tragic that this Council has deteriorated as it has.
Thank you,
Jennifer Pike
jennifer-pike@comcast.net
603-748-5960
Irenemarie HysonSupportManchester, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
I strongly support the repeal of the council that provides support to children with autism and their families. These families rely on critical resources, advocacy, and coordinated services. Removing this support would create unnecessary barriers and negatively impact some of our most vulnerable children. We must protect and strengthen services — not eliminate them.
Tim LenihanOpposeEnfield, NHfor MyselfFeb 25, 2026
The fact is that this group has not gotten anything done, picks its own members, and receives state funds that should be allocated elsewhere. Let the supporters of this group form their own non-profit/volunteer organization.