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HB 1488 · 2026 · House · Environment and Agriculture Committee

Rabies vaccine exemptions for pets

AI-generated

relative to rabies vaccines for animals.

Allows a rabies vaccination exemption for dogs, cats, and ferrets based on either a veterinary specialist's recommendation or antibody titer testing performed by a licensed veterinarian, with isolation and control requirements varying by exemption type.AI-generated

Status

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

Analysis

This bill enables a veterinarian to make an exemption from the rabies vaccine for animals after performing certain testing.

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

“Except as provided in paragraph II, every dog, cat, and ferret 3 months of age and older shall be vaccinated against rabies.”
RSA 436:100
“Young dogs, cats, and ferrets shall be vaccinated within 30 days after they have reached 3 months of age.”
RSA 436:100
“Unvaccinated dogs, cats, and ferrets acquired or moved into the state shall be vaccinated within 30 days after purchase or arrival, unless under 3 months of age, as specified above.”
RSA 436:100
“Every dog, cat, and ferret shall be revaccinated between 9 and 12 months after the initial vaccination and subsequently receive booster vaccines as outlined in the most current National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians' Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control.”
RSA 436:100

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Keith AmmonRPrimeMajority Floor Leader

Rep. Diane KelleyR

Public testimony

462 signed in online · 171 wrote testimony

95% support5% oppose0% neutral

ForPersonal accounts of vaccine injury, illness, or death

AgainstRabies' lethality justifies strict, uniform vaccination rules

AI-generatedLeading arguments, summarized by the testimony tool.

Read the arguments

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“A very well thought out addition to the already legal rabies exemption law. Strongly support”
— Diane Richardson, Georges millssupports
“Since preventing rabies is the goal of rabies vaccines, allowing titers will provide proof that a pet is ‘immune’ to contracting and spreading rabies as well as mandating vaccines. Proof of titer will prove immunity as well as, or better than, a vaccination certificate.”
— Diana Firenze, Marlowsupports
“I support HB 1488. A titer for Rabbies has been proven to be an effective way to test for immunity. Many states use this option since it has science behind it.”
— christina matthews, straffordsupports
“Rabies is deadly. The vaccine is extremely safe. Titers are not sufficient protection.”
— Amanda Burris, New Bostonopposes
“This testing can be expensive and cost prohibitive to animal owners whereas there are many low cost rabies vaccine clinics for animals each year. Additionally, these clinics also offer an opportunity to speak with a veterinarian and receive microchipping.…”
— Jennifer Ward, Sandownopposes
“I am opposed to this bill. This puts not only the animals at risk, but its also a risk to the general public. As a Veterinary Professional, this bill will make my already hard job harder.…”
— Rebecca Dean, Mont Vernonopposes

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: Refer for Interim Study11–2
    Overall
    85% yea
  • Mar 11, 2026HouseVoice voteRefer for Interim Studyadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Feb 17, 2026Public hearingHouse Environment and Agriculture6:18:34–6:21:112m 37slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
  • Feb 24, 2026Public hearingHouse Environment and AgricultureWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamFull Committee Work Session
  • Mar 3, 2026Public hearingHouse Environment and AgricultureWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamCommittee Report: Refer for Interim Study; Full Committee 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 Environment and Agriculture HJ 1 P. 22
  2. Feb 17, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/17/2026 03:00 pm GP 153
  3. Feb 24, 2026HouseFull Committee Work Session: 02/24/2026 10:00 am GP 153
  4. Mar 3, 2026HouseFull Committee Work Session: 03/03/2026 10:15 am GP 153
  5. Mar 3, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 03/03/2026 10:15 am GP 153
  6. Mar 3, 2026House: Refer for Interim Study 03/03/2026 (Vote 11-2; CC) HC 10 P. 17
  7. Mar 11, 2026HouseRefer for Interim Study: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 35

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Background reading

Evergreen reading on the policy area — spanning perspectives — not coverage of this specific bill.

Documents (PDF)

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