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HB 1281 · 2026 · House · Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee

Training standards for comfort dogs

AI-generated

establishing standards for the training of comfort dogs.

Defines facility comfort dogs and requires training for facility comfort dogs to be certified as such.AI-generated

Status

Referred to interim study (House) · March 11, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill defines facility comfort dogs and requires training for facility comfort dogs to be certified as such.

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

““Facility comfort dog” means an agency owned dog that provides support to the public and has met the certification requirements of this chapter.”
RSA 167-E:1
“The agency owning the dog shall comply with all state and local ordinances regarding licensing, vaccinations, and rabies certification under RSA 466:1 and RSA 466:1-a.”
RSA 167-E:2
“No prong or electronic collars or head halters shall be used for American Kennel Club testing, and no dog may wear prong or electronic collars or head halters while being deployed.”
RSA 167-E:3
“Training shall focus on reinforcing American Kennel Club certification skills, handling techniques, and scenario-based public interactions.”
RSA 167-E:4

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Jonathan MortonRPrime
  • Rep. Brian ColeRVice Chair· Housing
  • Rep. Dale GirardRVice Chair· Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy
  • Rep. Brian LabrieRClerk· Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
  • Rep. Dennis MannionRVice Chair· Judiciary

Also: Rep. Lori KorzenR, Rep. Clayton WoodR

Public testimony

5 signed in online

40% support60% oppose0% neutral

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Votes

yeanay
Starting text: Bill as introduced
  • Feb 18, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Refer for Interim Study15–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Mar 11, 2026HouseVoice voteRefer for Interim Studyadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Feb 11, 2026Public hearingHouse Commerce and Consumer Affairs5:56–7:031m 7slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
  • Feb 18, 2026Public hearingHouse Commerce and Consumer Affairs3:38:29–3:42:283m 59slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Refer for Interim Study; Work Session; Executive Session
  • Mar 11, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamRefer for Interim Study — adopted, voice vote

Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Commerce and Consumer Affairs HJ 1 P. 13
  2. Feb 11, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/11/2026 10:00 am GP 229
  3. Feb 18, 2026HouseWork Session: 02/18/2026 10:00 am GP 229
  4. Feb 18, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/18/2026 01:00 pm GP 229
  5. Feb 18, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Refer for Interim Study 02/18/2026 (Vote 15-0; CC) HC 10 P. 7
  6. Mar 11, 2026HouseRefer for Interim Study: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 10

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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