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SB 446 · 2026 · Senate · Commerce Committee

Animal boarding facility safety rules

AI-generated

requiring animal care center operators to notify dog owners when a dog will be left unattended and to report injuries to animals or people which occur on the premises of the animal care center.

Requires animal care centers to notify dog owners when a dog will be left unattended or when the facility lacks a functioning fire sprinkler system, requires reporting of injuries occurring on the premises, and authorizes annual local law enforcement inspections with penalties for noncompliance.AI-generated

Status

Died on the table in the Senate · March 12, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕Senate
  3. House
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill: I. Requires that animal care centers notify dog owners when a dog will be left unattended and if the center is not equipped with a functioning fire protection sprinkler system. II. Requires that animal care centers report injuries that occur to people or animals on the animal care center's property. III. Enables local law enforcement to annually inspect animal care centers and provides a penalty for not maintaining proper care of the animal care center.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Sen. Ruth WardRPrimeDeputy Majority Leader
  • Sen. Daniel InnisRChair· Commerce
  • Sen. Kevin AvardRDeputy Majority Whip
  • Sen. Regina BirdsellRMajority Leader

Public testimony

No one submitted online testimony on this bill. See the record

Hearings

  • 2026-01-209:30 amSenate CommerceSH 100Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026SenIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Commerce; SJ 1
  2. Jan 20, 2026SenHearing: 01/20/2026, Room 100, SH, 10:45 am; SC 1
  3. Feb 19, 2026SenCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0685s, 02/19/2026; Vote 5-1; CC; SC 6
  4. Feb 19, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-0685s, AA, VV; 02/19/2026; SJ 4
  5. Feb 19, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-0685s, MA, VV; Refer to Finance Rule 4-5; 02/19/2026; SJ 4
  6. Mar 12, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass, 03/12/2026, Vote 6-0; SC 9
  7. Mar 12, 2026SenOught to Pass: MA, VV; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
  8. Mar 12, 2026SenSen. Birdsell Moved Laid on Table, MA, VV; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
  9. Mar 12, 2026SenPending Motion OT3rdg; 03/12/2026; SJ 6

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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