Here are the highlights of some of the bills that I actively fought for during my first term (2024-2026) in the statehouse as state representative
Bills related to Public health
Relative to Mental Health crisis (SB498) -The mental health crisis, particularly among children 18 and younger, is a growing concern for our state. Ensuring adequate mental health coverage, access, and capacity for these children is an urgent need. This bill establishes a fair and sustainable funding model for the FAST Forward program, a Tier 3 mental health wraparound program that provides community-based, family-centered care for children and youth facing serious emotional and behavioral challenges before their situations escalate into costly emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or out-of-home placements. As a member of the Commerce Committee and a supporter of the bill, I helped bring it to the House floor and spoke with colleagues in the week leading up to the vote to build support. I was also among the first representatives to speak in favor of the bill on the House floor. Although the bill fell short by a narrow margin, we were encouraged that our efforts significantly narrowed the gap and brought the measure close to passage.
Relative to coverage of Constant Glucose Monitoring Device (HB648) – This bill would require the insurance companies to cover the cost of CGM(Constant Glucose Monitoring). CGM is an excellent tool for managing diabetes early, before the condition progresses to a stage where insulin therapy becomes necessary. At that point, treatment can become significantly more expensive simply to keep it under control. I strongly advocated for this bill in the Commerce Committee and spoke on the House floor, urging members to support its passage. However, the bill could pass the House only as an interim study. One concern some members had was that the bill could lead to a slight increase in insurance premiums. Unfortunately, the bill came at a challenging time, as higher insurance premiums were already a concern among the general public due to the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits beginning in 2026. Therefore, more work will be needed to raise awareness, address these concerns, and build broader consensus to help pass the bill in the future. This bill will not only improve diabetes management but also significantly reduce healthcare costs.
HB1630 and HB1538 – I supported the passage of the House bill HB1630 in the commerce committee banning the sale of Nitrous oxide and certain inhalants for recreational purposes, a leading cause of addiction in New Hampshire school age kids attributing to mental health issues. The bill has been signed into law in June 2026.
I also supported House bill HB1538 in the commerce committee, a bill prohibiting sale of deceptive vape products designed to be marketed towards minors by using disguised products like highlighters, pen, pencils, clothing accessories etc. Although it got approved only as Interim study, I plan to work towards its passage in the committee during the fall of 2026
Relative to Balance Billing for Ambulance Services (HB316 & SB245) – Both bills prohibit health carriers and providers from balance billing for ambulance services and establish reimbursement standards for ground ambulance services. However, SB245 provided reimbursement at 325% of the Medicare rate, while HB316 offered about 200%, which ambulance service providers considered insufficient. For this reason, I opposed HB316 and supported SB245 in the House Commerce Committee. SB245 passed both chambers and was signed into law, effective January 1, 2026. This made New Hampshire the first state in New England to outlaw surprise billing for ground ambulance transportation.
Relative to Social Districting (HB467 )-This bill would enable municipalities to create social districts where people can take their open containers of legally purchased alcoholic beverages outside of restaurants and bars within the social district perimeter to promote a walkable, outdoor area to shop, dine and drink at their leisure. I did the minority report as well as spoke in opposition to this bill, as I strongly believed that this would force cities to spend additional tax dollars for more public safety measures, law enforcement, program management as well as traffic control. Although the bill passed the House, I was glad to see that when the social district referendum was put before Nashua voters during the 2025 local elections, it was defeated overwhelmingly. That outcome reassured me that I had done my job in representing the interests of my constituents in Nashua.
Bills related to Public education and skilled workforce retention
HB1701 – New Hampshire should focus on attracting new businesses while retaining and expanding its skilled workforce that will promote economic growth, create jobs, increase state revenues and expand the tax base which would help ensure that public education can be funded without placing an undue burden on taxpayers. I sponsored House bill HB1701 for the 2026 session that would reestablish the New Hampshire college graduate retention incentive partnership (NH GRIP) program, however it was laid on the table. I plan to continue working towards this initiative as this will help retain skilled workforce in New Hampshire.
HB115 – The State of New Hampshire needs to increase the budget for public school funding. Instead, it passed the bill HB 115 that will expand the school voucher program regardless of income. The cost of such a program could exceed $100 million of state money that could have been used to support our local public schools and provide property tax relief. I voted against this bill because I strongly believe in the success of public schools that cater to more than 90% of New Hampshire students. The legislature needs to focus on funding an adequate education for our public school students as well as fully fund special education needs.
Miscellaneous Work
In addition to working on various bills, I provided an internship opportunity to a high school student during the summer of 2025 to assist with research on strengthening workforce development in New Hampshire. The following survey was sent to various educational institutions and businesses to gather input on ways to foster greater synergy among businesses, educational institutions, and the workforce.
form.jotform.com/shreymshah1/workforce-development-survey
Another research project was conducted by my office, which involved sending a survey to businesses across New Hampshire to gather input on measures that could be taken to encourage and generate more business activity in the state. Both of these initiatives were undertaken in accordance with my campaign goals of promoting business growth and strengthening workforce development in New Hampshire.