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HB 1276 · 2026 · House · Judiciary Committee

Damages for killing a companion animal

AI-generated

relative 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
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. 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.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Travis CorcoranRPrime
  • 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.”
— Emily Castine, Allenstownsupports
“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.…”
— KRISTIN Skousgard, Dentonsupports
“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.”
— Hannah Meiselman, Manchestersupports
“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.…”
— Nancy Holmes, New Bostonopposes

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-02-1110:00 amHouse JudiciaryGP 230Public hearing
  • 2026-02-1310:00 amHouse JudiciaryGP 158Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Judiciary HJ 1 P. 13
  2. Feb 11, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/11/2026 11:00 am GP 230
  3. Feb 13, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/13/2026 10:00 am GP 158
  4. Feb 13, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/13/2026 (Vote 18-0; CC) HC 9 P. 18
  5. 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.