HB 1276 · 2026 · House · Judiciary Committee
Damages for killing a companion animal
AI-generatedrelative to the liability for death of a companion animal.
Allows an economic award of up to $5,000 for the intentional or negligent killing of a companion animal under certain circumstances.AI-generated
Status
Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · March 5, 2026- ✓Introduced
- ✕House
- Senate
- Governor
- Law
Analysis
This bill allows for an economic award of up to $5,000 in the case of certain intentional or negligent killing of a companion animal.
From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.
In the bill's words
Quoted verbatim from the bill as introduced. Passages chosen from the operative text.Computed by this site
“A person shall be liable for up to $5,000 in non-economic damages to the owner of a companion animal upon the death of a companion animal if such person causes the death of such companion animal through intentional or negligent conduct.”
“If the death was caused by a negligent act, such act shall have occurred on the property of the owner of the companion animal while the companion animal was under the control of its owner or other caretaker.”
“The limitation in paragraph I shall not apply to causes of action for intentional emotional distress or any other civil action other than the cause of action involving the direct and sole loss of a companion animal.”
Official record
gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source
Sponsors
- Rep. Tom MannionRAssistant Majority Whip
Public testimony
17 signed in online · 4 wrote testimony
35% support65% oppose0% neutral
In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted
“I believe there should be a higher price to pay for causing the death of a pet, but this is a good start. No pet, no matter if they are big or small, should be left to die or be killed by a human.”
“Children who take puberty blockers, hormones, or who have surgery for gender (secondary sex trait modification) are not adequately informed of the risks. Everything is hunky dory for a time.…”
“I support HB1276 because allowing appropriate liability for the wrongful death of a companion animal promotes accountability and reflects the value families place on their pets. I encourage the committee to ensure the remedy is fair, reasonable, and clearly defined.”
“As much as I love my animals I know they are not people and that in our laws they are property. This bill is another in a long series of bills over the years that attempts to equate animals to people under the law.…”
Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.
Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026
Votes
yeanay- Feb 13, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Inexpedient to Legislate18–0Overall100% yea
- Mar 5, 2026HouseVoice voteInexpedient to Legislateadopted
Hearings and debates
- Feb 11, 2026Public hearingHouse Judiciary1:06:26–1:08:482m 22slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
- Feb 13, 2026Public hearingHouse Judiciary31:48–33:331m 45slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate; Executive Session
- Mar 5, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamInexpedient to Legislate — adopted, voice vote
Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.
Legislative history
- Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Judiciary HJ 1 P. 13
- Feb 11, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/11/2026 11:00 am GP 230
- Feb 13, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/13/2026 10:00 am GP 158
- Feb 13, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/13/2026 (Vote 18-0; CC) HC 9 P. 18
- Mar 5, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 24
Coverage
No reporting linked yet.
Documents (PDF)
Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.