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HB 1572-FN - AS INTRODUCED
2026 SESSION
26-2858
09/06
HOUSE BILL
1572-FN
AN ACT
relative to the qualifications to obtain certain occupational licenses.
SPONSORS: Rep. Kesselring, Hills. 18; Rep. Cole, Hills. 26; Rep. Morton, Hills. 39; Rep. Paquette, Hills. 25; Rep. Layon, Rock. 13; Rep. Notter, Hills. 12; Rep. McGrath, Rock. 40; Rep. Mazur, Hills. 44; Rep. Mary Murphy, Hills. 27
COMMITTEE: Executive Departments and Administration
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ANALYSIS
This bill modifies the qualifications for licensure for master licensed alcohol and drug counselors and recreational therapists, and the qualifications for speech-language assistants.
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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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
26-2858
09/06
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
AN ACT
relative to the qualifications to obtain certain occupational licenses.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Subparagraph; Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor; Initial License. Amend RSA 330-C:16, I by inserting after subparagraph (b) the following new subparagraph:
(c) Have completed at least 60 hours of master's degree courses in clinical mental health, clinical psychology, substance use treatment, social work, or equivalent, from an accredited college or university, and have held a New Hampshire license issued pursuant to RSA 330-A for at least 5 years with good standing.
2 Speech-Language Pathology and Hearing Care Providers Practice; Rulemaking. Amend RSA 326-F:5, V to read as follows:
V. The minimum qualifications of, requirements for direction and supervision of, and scope of tasks that may be performed by speech-language assistants. Such qualifications shall include a minimum of a 2-year associate's degree granted by a speech-language pathology program
or an equivalent program
accredited by an accrediting organization approved by the board.
3 Recreational Therapists; Eligibility for Licensure. Amend RSA 326-J:5, I(c) and (d) to read as follows:
(c) Successfully complete an academic program with a baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited college or university [
with a major in therapeutic recreation or a major in recreation or leisure with an option in therapeutic recreation
].
(d) Successfully complete a period of field experience as defined by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) [
approved by the educational institution where the applicant has met his or her academic requirements
].
4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
LBA
26-2858
12/4/25
HB 1572-FN- FISCAL NOTE
AS INTRODUCED
AN ACT
relative to the qualifications to obtain certain occupational licenses.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This bill does not provide funding, nor does it authorize new positions.
Estimated State Impact
FY 2026
FY 2027
FY 2028
FY 2029
Revenue
$0
Indeterminable Increase
Revenue Fund(s)
Office of Professional Licensure and Certification Fund
Expenditures*
$0
Indeterminable Increase
(ranging from less than $10,000 to $100,000)
Funding Source(s)
Office of Professional Licensure and Certification Fund
Appropriations*
$0
$0
$0
$0
Funding Source(s)
None
*Expenditure = Cost of bill *Appropriation = Authorized funding to cover cost of bill
METHODOLOGY:
This bill establishes a new pathway to become a Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (MLADC) by allowing an applicant who has completed at least 60 hours of education requirements, and have held a New Hampshire license for at least 5 years to be licensed. Additionally, the bill establishes a new pathway to become a Speech-Language Assistants by allowing an applicant who has completed an equivalent program to a 2-year associates degree accredited by an accrediting organization approved by the board.
The Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) states that this bill will increase revenue by an indeterminable amount as this new pathway will result in more applications from Licensed Alcohol Counselors (LADC) and Certified Recovery Support Workers (CRSW). However, OPLC estimates additional expenditures ranging from less than $10,000 to $100,000, primarily to support staff training, rulemaking, and a possible increase in enforcement and disciplinary actions. These additional responsibilities stem from concerns that applicants may lack sufficient clinical experience, potentially leading to more complaints. Some of these enforcement-related costs may be offset through disciplinary proceedings.
There may also be an increase in applications for Speech-Language Assistants, which would generate additional revenue but also lead to higher administrative costs associated with processing these applications. These impacts are expected to offset one another.
It is assumed that any fiscal impact would occur after FY 2026.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Office of Professional Licensure and Certification