Expedited hearings for confiscated animals

Analysis

This bill establishes procedures for expedited court hearings and disposition of animals confiscated due to allegations of animal cruelty.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Sponsors

• Sen. Kevin AvardRDeputy Majority Whip
• Sen. Victoria SullivanRVice Chair· Education
• Sen. Keith MurphyRDeputy President Pro Tempore
• Sen. Daniel InnisRChair, Majority Policy Conference
• Sen. Regina BirdsellRMajority Leader
• Rep. Joe AlexanderRChair· Housing
• Rep. Cathryn HarveyDRanking Member· Fish and Game and Marine Resources

Also: Sen. Tim McGoughR, Sen. David WattersD

Public testimony

Hearings

• 2026-02-121:00 pmSenate JudiciarySH 100Public hearing
• 2026-03-259:00 amHouse JudiciaryGP 230Public hearing

Legislative history

1. Jan 7, 2026SenIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 1
2. Feb 12, 2026SenHearing: 02/12/2026, Room 100, SH, 01:10 pm; SC 5
3. Mar 5, 2026SenCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0848s, 03/05/2026; Vote 4-0; CC; SC 8
4. Mar 5, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-0848s, AA, VV; 03/05/2026; SJ 5
5. Mar 5, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-0848s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/05/2026; SJ 5
6. Mar 12, 2026HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/12/2026 and referred to Judiciary HJ 8 P. 114
7. Mar 25, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 03/25/2026 10:00 am GP 230
8. Apr 8, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 04/08/2026 10:30 am GP 230
9. Apr 8, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1347h 04/08/2026 (Vote 18-0; CC)
10. Apr 23, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-1347h: AA VV 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 11
11. Apr 23, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-1347h: MA VV 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 11
12. May 7, 2026SenSen. Gannon Moved to Concur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
13. May 21, 2026HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 05/21/2026 HJ 14 P. 34
14. May 21, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 05/21/2026); SJ 14
15. Jun 12, 2026SenSigned by the Governor on 06/12/2026; Chapter 143; Effective 01/01/2027

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

• Introducedversion
• As Amended by the Senateversion
• As Amended by the Houseversion
• Adopted by both chambersversion
• Chaptered (final law)version
• Amendment 2026-0848samendment
• Amendment 2026-1347hamendment
• Senate Hearing Report · 2026-02-13report
• Senate Committee Report · 2026-02-19report
• House Committee Report · 2026-04-14report

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