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HB 1438 · 2026 · House · Executive Departments and Administration Committee

Animal abuse reporting by caseworkers

AI-generated

(New Title) enabling mental health caseworkers to report instances of animal abuse by their clients.

Authorizes mental health caseworkers to report to authorities instances of animal abuse they observe among their clients.AI-generated

Status

Referred to interim study (Senate) · April 21, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✕Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill enables mental health caseworkers to report instances of animal abuse by their clients.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

In the bill's words

Quoted verbatim from the bill as amended by the House. Passages chosen from the operative text.Computed by this site

“The duty may be discharged by, and no monetary liability or cause of action shall arise against, any person licensed under this chapter if the licensee makes reasonable efforts to notify the police department closest to the suspected location of animal cruelty, neglect, or exploitation, or to the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.”
RSA 330-A:36
“No monetary liability and no cause of action may arise concerning client privacy or confidentiality against any person licensed under this chapter for information disclosed to third parties in an effort to discharge a duty under paragraphs I and II.”
RSA 330-A:36

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Ellen ReadDPrimeDeputy Ranking Member· Housing
  • Rep. Christal LloydDDeputy Ranking Member· State, Federal, and Veterans Affairs

Also: Rep. Efstathia BoorasD, Rep. Jonah WheelerD, Rep. Diane KelleyR

Public testimony

148 signed in online · 38 wrote testimony

100% support0% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“There is a high correlation between animal abuse and abuse of human victims, with evidence that people who abuse animals are 5 times more likely to commit violent crimes against humans. It has been found that 86% of animal offenders have had multiple arrests in their past.…”
— Theresa Caney, Boscawensupports
“Mental health work takes a significant toll on therapists and other mental health providers. Being exposed to animal abuse is heartbreaking, and the inability to report or discuss it only adds to the emotional burden these professionals carry.…”
— Linda Dionne, Raymondsupports
“I strongly support this bill, HB 1438. As someone who worked in the Mental Health profession for most of my career, it is imperative to report acts of aggression and violence, whether against children, elderly or animals. Those who might be unable to speak for themselves.…”
— Deborah Rosa, Hancocksupports

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Votes

yeanay
Starting text: Bill as introduced
  • Mar 3, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1024h (NT)15–1
    Overall
    94% yea
  • Mar 11, 2026HouseVoice voteAmendment 2026-1024hadopted
  • Mar 11, 2026HouseVoice voteOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-1024hadopted
    Resulting text: Bill as amended by the House
  • Apr 23, 2026SenateCommittee report: Referred to Interim Study5–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Apr 23, 2026SenateVoice voteRefer to Interim Studyadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Jan 21, 2026Public hearingHouse Executive Departments and Administration3:48:54–3:49:2026slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
  • Mar 3, 2026Public hearingHouse Executive Departments and Administration2:30:22–2:33:333m 11slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1024h (NT); Executive Session
  • Mar 11, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-1024h — adopted, voice vote; Amendment # 2026-1024h — adopted, voice vote
  • Apr 9, 2026Public hearingSenate JudiciaryWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamHearing
  • Apr 23, 2026Floor debateSenate floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamCommittee Report: Referred to Interim Study; Refer to 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 Executive Departments and Administration HJ 1 P. 20
  2. Jan 21, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/21/2026 01:00 pm GP 231
  3. Mar 3, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 03/03/2026 01:00 pm GP 159
  4. Mar 3, 2026House: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1024h (NT) 03/03/2026 (Vote 15-1; CC) HC 10 P. 20
  5. Mar 11, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-1024h: AA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 42
  6. Mar 11, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-1024h: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 42
  7. Mar 12, 2026SenIntroduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 7
  8. Apr 9, 2026SenHearing: 04/09/2026, Room 100, SH, 01:40 pm; SC 13
  9. Apr 23, 2026Sen: Referred to Interim Study, 04/23/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 15A
  10. Apr 23, 2026SenRefer to Interim Study, MA, VV; 04/23/2026; SJ 10

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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