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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 requires mental health caseworkers to report instances of animal abuse by their clients.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

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

Hearings

  • 2026-01-2110:00 amHouse Executive Departments and AdministrationGP 231Public hearing
  • 2026-03-031:00 pmHouse Executive Departments and AdministrationGP 159Public hearing
  • 2026-04-091:00 pmSenate JudiciarySH 100Public hearing

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.