Lawmakers reach compromise on what to do with Sununu Center sale proceeds

A group of state lawmakers have decided the proceeds from selling the Sununu Youth Services Center should go to the state’s general fund, rather than directly into a settlement fund for victims of abuse at that facility. The move doesn’t preclude the state from using that money to compensate victims, but it doesn’t guarantee it.

The committee of conference agreement on Senate Bill 481 will need to be approved by the full Senate before it is finalized and sent to the governor. The Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester (formerly known as the Youth Detention Center) is a juvenile detention facility that has been plagued by years of abuse and neglect allegations that have resulted in millions of dollars of legal settlements paid to victims. More allegations have emerged recently. The state plans to close the center and sell the property.