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SB 573 · 2026 · Senate · Executive Departments and Administration Committee

Certified public safety comfort dogs

AI-generated

(New Title) establishing certification standards for certified public safety comfort dogs.

Establishes certification standards for certified public safety comfort dogs, their handlers, and certified public safety comfort dog handling teams.AI-generated

Status

Signed into law · July 9, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓Senate
  3. ✓House
  4. ✓Governor
  5. ✓Law

Analysis

This bill establishes certification standards for facility comfort dogs, facility comfort dog handlers, and facility comfort dog handling teams.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Sen. Regina BirdsellRPrimeMajority Leader
  • Sen. Bill GannonRVice Chair· Executive Departments and Administration
  • Sen. Howard PearlRChair· Executive Departments and Administration
  • Sen. Ruth WardRDeputy Majority Leader
  • Rep. Michael MoffettRChair· State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Also: Sen. Donovan FentonD, Rep. Jonathan MortonR

Public testimony

10 signed in online · 2 wrote testimony

70% support30% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“No, sick and tired of people forcing 'pets' onto the public at large. It is out of control. Not everyone loves pets, particularly, dogs. For a variety of reasons, to include allergies.”
— Angelique Hall, Bristolopposes
“I am submitting this testimony regarding SB 573 as a professional working directly with comfort and facility dog programs in real-world settings in New Hampshire. I have been involved in developing and placing over 100 working teams across multiple states and environments.…”
— Peggi Brogan, Rindgeopposes

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-01-149:00 amSenate Executive Departments and AdministrationSH 103Public hearing
  • 2026-04-0110:00 amHouse Commerce and Consumer AffairsGP 229Public hearing
  • 2026-04-0810:00 amHouse Commerce and Consumer AffairsGP 229Public hearing
  • 2026-04-211:15 pmHouse Commerce and Consumer AffairsGP 229Public hearing
  • 2026-04-2810:00 amHouse Commerce and Consumer AffairsGP 229Public hearing
  • 2026-04-2910:00 amHouse Commerce and Consumer AffairsGP 229Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026SenIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Executive Departments and Administration; SJ 1
  2. Jan 14, 2026SenHearing: 01/14/2026, Room 103, SH, 01:10 pm; SC 1
  3. Feb 19, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0683s, 02/19/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 6
  4. Feb 19, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-0683s, AA, VV; 02/19/2026; SJ 4
  5. Feb 19, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-0683s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 02/19/2026; SJ 4
  6. Mar 12, 2026HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/12/2026 and referred to Commerce and Consumer Affairs HJ 8 P. 114
  7. Apr 1, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 04/01/2026 10:30 am GP 229
  8. Apr 8, 2026HouseSubcommittee Work Session: 04/08/2026 10:00 am GP 229
  9. Apr 21, 2026HouseSubcommittee Work Session: 04/21/2026 01:15 pm GP 229
  10. Apr 28, 2026HouseSubcommittee Work Session: 04/28/2026 10:00 am GP 229
  11. Apr 29, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 04/29/2026 10:00 am GP 229
  12. Apr 29, 2026House: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1675h (NT) 04/29/2026 (Vote 14-0; CC) HC 19 P. 8
  13. May 14, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-1675h: AA VV 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 6
  14. May 14, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-1675h: MA VV 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 9
  15. May 21, 2026SenSen. Pearl Moved to Concur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 05/21/2026; SJ 13
  16. Jun 4, 2026HouseEnrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-2145e: AA VV (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15
  17. Jun 4, 2026SenEnrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-2145e Adopted, VV, (In recess of 06/04/2026); SJ 14
  18. Jun 4, 2026HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15
  19. Jun 4, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 14
  20. Jul 2, 2026SenSigned by the Governor on 07/02/2026; Chapter 267; Effective 08/31/2026

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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