2022 Legislation Update #1

Hi Everyone,
 
I hope this email finds you and your animals well! There is a lot of info, so please read through to the end.
 
It was a somewhat quiet 2021 with little activity or action required by all our wonderful members. We thank you for being there if and when we needed you!
 
A quick recap of 2021: 
We were able to work with Legislators to raise the transfer threshold for dogs and cats (30), implement the ability for the Commissioner of DAMF to allow an exception for someone who has not been eligible to be a pet vendor but has gone over the threshold due to an extra large litter, for example, as well as no zoning implications unless 50+ transfers occur. You can see the new language here: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/xl/437/437-mrg.htm
Our Collar bill made it a crime to tamper with, remove or destroy a tracking collar device or a microchip, and created a stepping stone penalty system for dog theft. This bill will allow law enforcement the teeth to penalize a person who tampers with or removes tracking collars of pet, working or hunting dogs, which is an increasing issue and also addresses the microchip removal in the pet flipping theft rings.
We also made huge improvements to the animal records database bill to make it as palatable as possible, and killed a handful of other bills (photos for dog licenses, rabies titer requirements).
 
Now into 2022:
We have 9 bills that we are actively monitoring.

HB1004 -FN
Session Year 2022
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: relative to penalties for failure to provide information after an animal injury.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseCriminal Justice and Public Safety
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1107
Session Year 2022
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: establishing a committee to study the rental or lease of housing to a person who has pets.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseJudiciary
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1186
Session Year 2022
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: relative to companion animals during a declared state of emergency.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseEnvironment and Agriculture
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1226 -FN
Session Year 2022
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: prohibiting the declawing of cats.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseEnvironment and Agriculture
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1308
Session Year 2022
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: prohibiting the capture, possession, and propagation of hares and rabbits for hunting dog training and field trials.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseFish and Game and Marine Resources
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1327
Session Year 2022
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: including diabetes in the conditions listed for eligibility for a service animal.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseHealth, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1433 -FN
Session Year 2022
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: relative to penalties for poisoning dogs.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseCriminal Justice and Public Safety
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

SB202 -FN
Session Year 2022
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: prohibiting the sale of cosmetic products tested on animals.

G-Status: SENATE
House Status:
Senate Status: IN COMMITTEE
Next/Last Comm: Senate Commerce
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

SB368 -FN
Session Year 2022
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: relative to animal vending licenses.

G-Status: SENATE
House Status:
Senate Status: IN COMMITTEE
Next/Last Comm: Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Next/Last Hearing: 01/11/2022 at 10:00 AM    SH Room 103
 
There are 2 high priority bills I would like to draw your attention to out of the gate. More to come on the others.

 

SB368-FN

AN ACT relative to animal vending licenses.

 
HB1308AN ACT prohibiting the capture, possession, and propagation of hares and rabbits for hunting dog training and field trials.
 
How do I sign in Remotely?
:Find the day and select the committee. Then you will be able to access Livestream and Remote Sign-in.http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/senate/schedule/dailyschedule.aspx
:Find the day and select the committee. Then you will be able to access Livestream and Remote Sign-in.http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/schedule/dailyschedule.aspx
*Testimony will no longer be allowed remotely and must be given in person
Share

2020 Legislation Update #2

Schedule Change
Sorry for all the changes. In trying to give us the most lead time on these bills, we published the schedule as it was shared, but not final. This should be final for hearings with the House Environment & Agriculture Committee (at least for 1/16).
Note: 2 critical bills bumped to first day of hearings. Please let me know your availability and comments.
I have also added DOGS position in red next to each bill.
1/16 in Legislative Office Building 303
10:30 am – HB 1627, creating an animal health certificate database. Support if personal data can be secure
11:30 am – HB 1117, relative to penalties for dog theft and tampering with a dog’s radio collar. Support
12:00 pm – HB 1387, prohibiting the declawing of cats. Oppose
1:30 pm – HB 1683, prohibiting the docking of dog tails and the cropping of dog ears. Oppose
3:15 pm – HB 1389, relative to criminal penalties for not providing adequate food, water, and shelter for animals. Oppose
2/4
10:30 am – HB 1388, prohibiting the sale of cats, dogs, and rabbits in retail stores. Oppose
11:30 am – HB 1187, relative to animal shelter facilities. Recommend combining with HB 1448; Amendment to be drafted and shared
3:00 pm – HB 1448, relative to animal health certificates and requiring dogs imported into the state for transfer to be tested for Brucella canis. Support
2/18
2:15 pm – HB 1449, defining animal hoarding. Support but needs additional work
2/20
1:45 pm – HB 1630, relative to pet vendors. Support

 

Share

2020 Legislation Update #1

Happy New Year! We have a big year ahead of us. Below please find the full list of bills we are monitoring. 
There are 6 bills tentatively scheduled for public hearings on January 16th with the Environment & Agriculture Committee. Please check your schedule and let me know if you plan to attend, if you will testify and the general theme of your testimony. 
 
Here is the tentative schedule:

 

10:30AM – HB 1627, creating an animal health certificate database
11:15AM – Break
11:30AM – HB 1117, relative to penalties for dog theft and tampering with a dog’s radio collar
12PM – HB 1387, prohibiting the declawing of cats
12:45PM – Lunch
1:30PM – HB 1187, relative to animal shelter facilities.
2:15PM – HB 1388, prohibiting the sale of cats, dogs, and rabbits in retail stores
3PM – Break
3:15PM – HB 1448, relative to animal health certificates and requiring dogs imported into the state for transfer to be tested for Brucella canis
Thank you all for your support as we continue to fight the bad guys in honor of our animals!
Full List of 2020 Bills
HB513
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: relative to allowing the use of therapy animals or facility dogs for therapeutic purposes in proceedings involving children or certain other persons.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: REGULAR CALENDAR
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseJudiciary
Next/Last Hearing: 01/29/2019 at 02:00 PM    LOB Room 208

HB1117 -FN
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: relative to penalties for dog theft and tampering with a dog’s radio collar.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseEnvironment and Agriculture
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1123
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: relative to reporting a collision between a cat and a motor vehicle.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseTransportation
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1164
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: concerning support for cats and dogs that are neglected or treated cruelly.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseJudiciary
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1187
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: relative to animal shelter facilities.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseEnvironment and Agriculture
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1277 -FN-L
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: requiring notice to owners of dogs that have failed to license their dog or renew their dog license.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseMunicipal and County Government
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1339
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: relative to damage to crops or livestock done by animals.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseFish and Game and Marine Resources
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1381
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: relative to animals in motor vehicles.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseJudiciary
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1387
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: prohibiting the declawing of cats.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseEnvironment and Agriculture
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1388
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: prohibiting the sale of cats, dogs, and rabbits in retail stores.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseEnvironment and Agriculture
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1389 -FN
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: relative to criminal penalties for not providing adequate food, water, and shelter for animals.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseEnvironment and Agriculture
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1391 -FN
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: relative to prohibiting discrimination in housing against persons with pets.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseJudiciary
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1448
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: relative to animal health certificates and requiring dogs imported into the state for transfer to be tested for Brucella canis.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseEnvironment and Agriculture
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1449
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: defining animal hoarding.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseEnvironment and Agriculture
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1483
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: relative to allowing dogs on open air restaurant patios.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseCommerce and Consumer Affairs
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1542
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: relative to children, vulnerable adults, and animals in hot vehicles.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseJudiciary
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1560 -FN
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: relative to the criminal penalties for certain negligent actions which cause the death of an animal.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseCriminal Justice and Public Safety
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1602 -FN-L
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: establishing a registry for persons convicted of animal cruelty.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseCriminal Justice and Public Safety
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1606 -FN
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: relative to cruelty to a wild animal, fish, or wild bird.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseFish and Game and Marine Resources
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1627 -FN
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: creating an animal health certificate database.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseEnvironment and Agriculture
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1630 -FN
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: relative to pet vendors.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseEnvironment and Agriculture
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

HB1683 -FN
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: prohibiting the docking of dog tails and the cropping of dog ears.

G-Status: HOUSE
House Status: IN COMMITTEE
Senate Status:
Next/Last Comm: HouseEnvironment and Agriculture
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified

SB450
Session Year 2020
Bill Docket
Bill Status
Bill Text[HTML] [PDF]
Title: relative to brew pubs allowing customers to bring dogs to outdoor areas.

G-Status: SENATE
House Status:
Senate Status: IN COMMITTEE
Next/Last Comm: Senate Commerce
Next/Last Hearing: Time not specified
Share

2019 Legislation Update #10

With the first round of the legislative process coming to a close, and Crossover approaching, I wanted to provide a status update for all of the bills we have been monitoring.

Bills that were voted OUGHT TO PASS
These will crossover to the other side (since they started in the Senate, they will move to the House). However, SB161 will go to Senate Finance first. These are the bills we need to gear up for.

  • SB77, relative to costs of care for animals seized in cruelty cases and prohibiting the future ownership of animals in certain animal cruelty cases
  • SB161, relative to the definition of pet vendor, the transfer of animals, and establishing the position of accounting clerk in the department of agriculture, markets, and food

Bills that were TABLED
We will monitor these, as they can continue to be worked on and taken off the table at anytime. HB688 is likely to be worked on

  • HB249, permitting restaurant owners to allow dogs in restaurants
  • HB688, relative to transfer and inspection of animals

Bills that were voted INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE

These bills are dead for this year.

  • HB282, relative to the authority of fish and game officers to search without a warrant
  • Report Filed ITL HB296, relative to animal waste cleanup in state forests and state parks
  • Report Filed ITL HB442, relative to coyote hunting
  • HB313establishing a study committee on the authority and duties of the board of veterinary medicine
  • HB316, relative to the law governing training permits for the training of bird dogs and trail or tree hounds
  • HB331relative to the duties of a veterinarian
  • HB426, establishing a committee to study allowing town clerks to accept proof of certain exemptions from the rabies vaccine for the purpose of registering dogs
  • Report Filed ITL HB512, relative to dogs on hiking trails in state parks and state forests

Bills that were RETAINED
We will keep an eye on the calendar for work sessions. These bills will come back out with a committee recommendation that will voted on in the first session of 2020. There will be NO public hearing on their final form.

  • HB371adding cats to the definition of commercial kennel
  • HB376, establishing a commission to study best practices for companion animal groomers
  • HB484relative to group dog licenses
  • HB501establishing a cost of care fund to assist municipalities caring for animals during animal cruelty cases

Bills without Reports filed yet

We’re still monitoring these as they complete the process in their committees.

  • HB389, requiring the department of business and economic affairs to prepare materials for businesses relative to service dogs
  • HB513, relative to allowing the use of therapy animals or facility dogs for therapeutic purposes in proceedings involving children or certain other persons
  • HB605, relative to criminal penalties for possession, transfer, or manufacture of animal fighting paraphernalia with the intent to be present at, aiding in, or contributing to such fighting

For the full list of bills and additional information, please access the link below:
http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/Results.aspx?q=1&txtbillnumber=HB484%2CHB501%2CHB512%2CHB513%2CHB282%2CHB316%2CHB361%2CHB249%2CHB371%2CHB376%2CHB389%2CHB426%2CHB442%2CHB331%2CHB688%2CHB296%2CHB605%2CSB77%2CHB696%2CHB605%2CSB161&txtsessionyear=2019&fbclid=IwAR3IpGpyf8exAG6xmo4xBirTgXC5aqoK9WbKI4OOL8gwqeZDAEySLQ2wGqc

Share