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HB 1253 · 2026 · House · Environment and Agriculture Committee

Exempting livestock guard dogs

AI-generated

(New Title) exempting dogs guarding livestock or crops from nuisance dog statutes when engaged in such work.

Exempts dogs engaged in guarding livestock or crops from nuisance dog statutes while performing such work.AI-generated

Status

Signed into law · June 24, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✓Senate
  4. ✓Governor
  5. ✓Law

Analysis

This bill enables the use of dogs to guard crops without being restrained.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Barbara ComtoisRPrime
  • Rep. Judy AronRChair· Environment and Agriculture
  • Rep. Peter BixbyDRanking Member· Environment and Agriculture
  • Sen. Howard PearlRVice Chair· Energy and Natural Resources

Also: Rep. Catherine KennyR

Public testimony

14 signed in online · 2 wrote testimony

100% support0% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“The very function of livestock guardian dogs is to bark to ward off predators of the livestock they protect.”
— Lana Nickerson, Eatonsupports
“I support the bill except I have a question about the punctuation used in the language in the existing law: . 1 Dog Control Law; Guarding Crops.…”
— erick sawtelle, Leesupports

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-02-1712:00 pmHouse Environment and AgricultureGP 153Public hearing
  • 2026-02-2410:00 amHouse Environment and AgricultureGP 153Public hearing
  • 2026-03-0310:15 amHouse Environment and AgricultureGP 153Public hearing
  • 2026-03-319:00 amSenate Energy and Natural ResourcesSH 103Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Environment and Agriculture HJ 1 P. 12
  2. Feb 17, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/17/2026 02:00 pm GP 153
  3. Feb 24, 2026HouseFull Committee Work Session: 02/24/2026 10:00 am GP 153
  4. Mar 3, 2026HouseFull Committee Work Session: 03/03/2026 10:15 am GP 153
  5. Mar 3, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 03/03/2026 10:15 am GP 153
  6. Mar 3, 2026House: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0930h (NT) 03/03/2026 (Vote 13-0; CC) HC 10 P. 16
  7. Mar 11, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-0930h: AA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 32
  8. Mar 11, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-0930h: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 32
  9. Mar 12, 2026SenIntroduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Energy and Natural Resources; SJ 7
  10. Mar 31, 2026SenHearing: 03/31/2026, Room 103, SH, 09:30 am; SC 12
  11. Apr 9, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1308s, 04/09/2026; Vote 2-0; CC; SC 13
  12. Apr 9, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-1308s, AA, VV; 04/09/2026; SJ 8
  13. Apr 9, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1308s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 04/09/2026; SJ 8
  14. May 7, 2026HouseHouse Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1308s (Rep. J. Aron): MA VV 05/07/2026 HJ 12 P. 4
  15. Jun 4, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 14
  16. Jun 4, 2026HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15
  17. Jun 19, 2026HouseSigned by Governor Ayotte 06/19/2026; Chapter 160; eff. 01/01/2027

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.