NEW HAMPSHIRE SENATE
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
April 11, 2024
Senate Passes Bill to Update Definition of Disability
CONCORD, NH – Senator Denise Ricciardi (R-Bedford) issued the following statement on the Senate passing SB 596-FN, relative to the definition of disability or special needs under the childcare scholarship program:
“Some students have a more challenging time developing socially or emotionally but do not get formally diagnosed with a disability. Currently, the childcare scholarship program does not define the term ‘disability’ as a student who displays, or is at risk for, a delay in social or emotional development. This bill updates the definition of disability to include these provisions and requires standardized early screening tools for students. Updating this definition allows children struggling with their development to access the childcare scholarship program and helps students receive the proper education they need.”
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Media Contact:
Peter O’Neill, Communications Director
peter.oneill@leg.state.nh.us
603-271-3043