Committee Summary for Senate Judiciary (04/22/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB240 00:06:38.080 - 12:06:25 PM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to nonpayment of dog licensing fees.	Mannion, Tom(R)[A+]2024
HB670 00:18:24.720 - 12:18:11 PM	Public Hearing	(New Title) adjusting the minimum fine for attacks by nuisance dogs.	Turcotte, Len(R)[A]2024
HB240 00:26:26.440 - 12:26:13 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to nonpayment of dog licensing fees.	Mannion, Tom(R)[A+]2024
HB616 00:28:20.840 - 12:28:07 PM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to the confiscation of animals from persons suspected of or charged with abuse of animals and establishing a committee to study the animal cruelty statutes.	Aron, Judy(R)[A]2024
HB88 02:36:16.800 - 2:36:03 PM	Public Hearing	establishing community property trusts.	McGuire, Dan(R)[A+]2024
HV59 02:58:19.600 - 2:58:06 PM	Executive Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HV146 02:59:07.200 - 2:58:54 PM	Executive Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB146 02:59:53.200 - 2:59:40 PM	Executive Session	relative to the use of body-worn cameras.	Flanagan, Jack(R)[B+]2020
HB195 03:00:54.640 - 3:00:41 PM	Executive Session	relative to the expectation of privacy in the collection and use of personal information.	Lynn, Bob(R)[A]2024
HB291 03:02:03.000 - 3:01:50 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to the penalty for incorrect application of fertilizers.	Layon, Erica(R)[A]2024
HB380 03:08:04.200 - 3:07:51 PM	Executive Session	relative to penalties for criminal violations of the therapeutic use of cannabis.	Vail, Suzanne(D)[CT]2024
HB468 03:13:17.200 - 3:13:04 PM	Executive Session	establishing the crime of and penalties for unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems.	Roy, Terry(R)[B]2024
HB482 03:15:41.680 - 3:15:28 PM	Executive Session	relative to the penalty for driving over 100 miles per hour.	Roy, Terry(R)[B]2024
HB551 03:16:55.680 - 3:16:42 PM	Executive Session	repealing the license to sell pistols and revolvers.	Granger, Michael(R)[A+]2024
HB697 03:19:06.080 - 3:18:53 PM	Executive Session	relative to witness fees in criminal cases.	Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2024
HB776 03:22:10.960 - 3:21:57 PM	Executive Session	relative to the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated.	Roy, Terry(R)[B]2024
HB218 1665s 03:23:32.239 - 3:23:19 PM	Executive Session	relative to providing victims of crime with a free police report of the investigation.	MacDonald, John(R)[B+]2024
HB670 03:27:44.960 - 3:27:31 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) adjusting the minimum fine for attacks by nuisance dogs.	Turcotte, Len(R)[A]2024

HB240: Tom Manion, representing Hillsboro Support00:06:38.080 - 12:06:25 PM; Representative Manion testified in support of HB240FN, explaining that the bill originated from a situation where a constituent's elderly dog suffered an adverse reaction to a rabies vaccine and subsequently missed its licensing renewal. The constituent received a threatening letter from the town of Pelham about potential law enforcement action for nonpayment of a $20 fee. Manion's intention with the bill was to remove the ability for authorities to seize dogs over licensing fee disputes, though he noted the bill was amended in a way he did not intend, changing 'shall' to 'may' regarding the enforcement of seizures. He stressed that his concern was not with the fines or the vaccine requirement but with the potential for law enforcement to seize animals over minor fees.
HB240: O'Brien from Animal Control Oppose00:09:25.519 - 12:09:12 PM; O'Brien from Animal Control opposed HB240FN, emphasizing the importance of dog licensing for public safety, particularly in ensuring rabies vaccinations and tracking dog ownership in cases of bites or aggression. He cited an example from Salem where a child avoided painful rabies prophylaxis due to the dog's known vaccination status. O'Brien argued that removing civil forfeitures would reduce owner accountability and hinder animal welfare checks. He clarified that seizures are not common and are typically handled through the district court, not by forcibly entering homes without a warrant.
HB240: Dan Haley, Nashua City Clerk Oppose00:12:19.760 - 12:12:06 PM; Dan Haley, representing Nashua, opposed HB240FN. He expressed concerns about the bill's amendment changing 'shall' to 'may' regarding enforcement, which could lead to inconsistent application across towns, causing confusion for dog owners. Haley noted that in his nine years of experience in Derry and Nashua, no dogs were seized for licensing issues. He described the extensive notification process for dog licensing and argued that changing the law from 'shall' to 'may' could undermine enforcement and public health by reducing rabies vaccination compliance.
HB670: Glenn Turkot, representing Bington and Straford Support00:18:24.720 - 12:18:11 PM; Representative Turkot supported HB670, which aims to increase fines for dog attacks and nuisances to act as a deterrent and to update outdated fines. He explained that the bill was inspired by a constituent's daughter who was viciously attacked by a dog, leading to significant medical costs. Turkot mentioned that the bill was adjusted to ensure the fines remained within misdemeanor limits and that the House amended the bill to reduce the initial penalty to a warning.
HB670: Ann Barry from Rochester Support00:21:47.000 - 12:21:34 PM; Ann Barry from Rochester supported HB670, sharing her personal experience of a vicious dog attack on her daughter and their dog on Christmas morning in 2023. The attack resulted in approximately $30,000 in medical and recovery costs. She emphasized the need for dog owners to face financial responsibility for such incidents, noting that they had received a judgment in civil court but were struggling to collect.
HB670: Marissa Chase, New Hampshire Association for Justice Information Only00:24:24.240 - 12:24:11 PM; Marissa Chase from the New Hampshire Association for Justice provided information regarding HB670, expressing no position on the bill itself but requesting an amendment to ensure that the bill does not limit civil recovery in dog bite cases under existing RSA statutes. She offered to provide specific language for the amendment to the committee.
HB240: Committee Vote00:26:26.440 - 12:26:13 PM; The committee moved to go into executive session to discuss HB240FN. After the discussion, they voted to recommend the bill as 'inexpedient to legislate' with a vote of three in favor and two consenting.
HB616: Judy Aaron, Representative from Acworth, Goshen, Lempster, Langdon, and Washington in Sullivan County Support00:28:20.840 - 12:28:07 PM; Representative Judy Aaron introduced HB616, highlighting its purpose following a distressing animal seizure incident in Lee, New Hampshire. The bill aims to clarify procedures for animal cruelty reporting and seizure to ensure due process is followed. Key points include ensuring an investigating officer is advised by a qualified veterinarian, prohibiting animal confiscation without legal charges or imminent danger to the animal's life, and ensuring owners are informed of their rights to have their animals examined by a chosen veterinarian. The bill also addresses issues such as altering animals without owner consent, using seized animals for fundraising, and clarifying custody and return processes. Additionally, the bill proposes the establishment of a study committee to further review and update animal cruelty statutes. Representative Aaron emphasized the need for better education and training for law enforcement in handling animal cruelty cases and stressed the importance of protecting both animal welfare and owners' rights.
HB616: Verna O'Brien, Animal Control Officer for the Salem, New Hampshire Police Department Oppose00:56:42.160 - 12:56:29 PM; Verna O'Brien expressed strong opposition to HB616, arguing that it would hinder law enforcement's ability to protect animals from cruelty and neglect. She highlighted that the bill would force officers to return animals to dangerous situations if criminal charges are not filed, labeling this as continued animal cruelty. O'Brien also criticized the bill's ban on fundraising by shelters and nonprofits, which she said is crucial for providing care to rescued animals. She raised concerns about the requirement for only state-designated veterinarians to assist in livestock cruelty cases, noting the difficulty in finding such professionals willing to respond. O'Brien emphasized her training and involvement in the Animal Control Officers Association of New Hampshire, which also opposes the bill, though they couldn't officially state this due to quorum issues.
HB616: Michelle Merch, Equine and Farm Program Manager and Humane Agent, New Hampshire SPCA Oppose01:02:32.040 - 1:02:19 PM; Michelle Merch, representing the New Hampshire SPCA, strongly opposed HB616. She argued that the bill could hinder effective animal cruelty investigations and compromise animal welfare across New Hampshire. Merch highlighted her extensive experience in animal care and law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of humane officers in these investigations. She discussed a specific case in Lee, New Hampshire, where the investigation complied with established procedures and involved multiple experts. Merch stressed that neglect, whether intentional or unintentional, leads to serious animal suffering and criticized the bill for prohibiting fundraising for animal care before a conviction, which could burden taxpayers and limit the ability of shelters to provide care.
HB616: Benjamin Leonard, Resident of Pembroke, New Hampshire Support01:06:44.960 - 1:06:31 PM; Benjamin Leonard, a resident of Pembroke, New Hampshire, and a farmer, supported HB616. He shared his personal experience of an emotionally and financially stressful animal seizure process, despite not being found guilty. Leonard suggested amendments to the bill, such as a grace period for third-party consultations and additional training for law enforcement on livestock and equines. He emphasized the need for transparency on the location and care of seized animals and argued that owners should not bear the cost of care if not found guilty.
HB616: Commissioner Jasper, Department of Agriculture Support01:11:51.800 - 1:11:38 PM; Commissioner Jasper supported HB616, clarifying that the bill was designed to protect animal owners' rights and ensure due process. He explained the current law allows for animal seizure without charges, causing confusion in law enforcement. Jasper argued that the bill addresses these issues and prevents the misuse of animals for fundraising before a conviction. He stressed the need for clearer language in the law and discussed the financial aspects of animal care, including the state's reimbursement process and the prevention of double dipping.
HB616: Representative Kelly Patenza, Strafford, District 19 Support01:26:34.000 - 1:26:21 PM; Representative Kelly Patenza strongly supported HB616, highlighting the extensive bipartisan work that went into the bill. She emphasized that the bill aims to fix inherent problems in current law, ensuring due process and protecting animal owners' rights. Patenza clarified that the bill does not prevent organizations from fundraising for general animal care but aims to protect individuals from being publicly convicted before a legal conviction. She advocated for the bill's passage, noting its importance in addressing issues discussed in committee.
HB616: Tad Dion, Chief of Police, Hudson Police Department Oppose01:40:33.360 - 1:40:20 PM; Chief Tad Dion of the Hudson Police Department, representing the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police, opposed HB616. He criticized the bill for not involving law enforcement in its development and argued that it singles out a specific case in Lee, New Hampshire. Dion believed the bill does not clarify the law and could overburden the state veterinarian, slow investigations, and require arrests before seizures, which is a higher burden than in other criminal cases. He suggested breaking the bill into several smaller bills and forming a committee with law enforcement input.
HB616: Dr. Lisa Ber, Licensed Veterinarian and Former FBI Agent Oppose01:48:18.400 - 1:48:05 PM; Dr. Lisa Ber, a licensed veterinarian with extensive experience in animal welfare, strongly opposed HB616. She argued that requiring criminal charges for animal seizure removes the ability to work compassionately with owners and forces veterinarians to violate their oath to protect animals. Ber detailed her involvement in a case that led to the bill, emphasizing the efforts made to educate the owner before seizure. She stressed the importance of veterinarians' roles in assessing animal welfare and criticized the bill for limiting their ability to intervene in cases of imminent danger.
HB616: Mary Roian, Resident of Concord, New Hampshire Oppose01:56:56.360 - 1:56:43 PM; Mary Roian, a resident of Concord, New Hampshire, opposed HB616. She shared a personal story of rescuing a cat from neglect and emphasized the crucial role of animal control officers (ACOs) and humane investigators in protecting animals. Roian argued that police departments lack the specialized training and knowledge that ACOs and humane investigators have. She believed that the bill would leave animals in a vulnerable state and urged the committee to vote against it.
HB616: Stacy Ober, Government Relations Manager, American Kennel Club Support01:58:19.440 - 1:58:06 PM; Stacy Ober supports HB616, emphasizing the emotional subject of animal neglect and abuse. She acknowledges the efforts behind the bill to close gaps in New Hampshire's animal welfare laws. Ober highlights the Christina Fay case as a precedent for strengthening the cost of care fund and the expedited 14-day confiscation process. She also discusses a member's experience where 18 dogs were seized, leading to a dropped charge, and stresses the importance of due process and privacy rights, particularly in cases of animal seizure and media involvement.
HB616: Joan O'Brien, New Hampshire Animal Rights League Oppose02:02:30.800 - 2:02:17 PM; Joan O'Brien opposes HB616, arguing that it prioritizes the rights of people accused of animal cruelty over the welfare of animals. She emphasizes that animals are a special kind of property that can suffer, and current laws should protect them, not just the accused. O'Brien is concerned that the bill, which seems crafted by and for farmers, could weaken animal protections and the role of humane agents. She supports Section 4C of the bill, which prohibits separating lactating animals from their non-weaned offspring, suggesting it should apply to all animals.
HB616: Josie Best, Resident of Keene, New Hampshire Information Only02:05:50.760 - 2:05:37 PM; Josie Best shares her personal experience and involvement in crafting the bill through Farm Bureau and Grange organizations. She expresses frustration with the complexity of the bill and suggests a need for a study committee to review and separate its components. Best emphasizes the importance of due process and her concerns about the handling of the case in Lee, New Hampshire, and the use of pack bedding in animal care.
HB616: Eric Sautell, Resident of Lee, New Hampshire Information Only02:11:17.400 - 2:11:04 PM; Eric Sautell supports HB616 and mentions that his written testimony covers his main points. He expresses concern over the handling of animal cruelty cases and the need for proper procedures.
HB616: John Porter, Dairy Specialist Support02:11:17.400 - 2:11:04 PM; John Porter supports HB616, emphasizing the need for a pause in borderline cases of animal cruelty. He argues that it is better to care for animals on-site rather than seizing them, and the bill aims to protect farmers from unnecessary intervention. Porter also mentions the importance of educating the public about animal care through farm visits.
HB616: Donna Lee Woods, Hickory Nut Farm, Resident of Lee, New Hampshire Information Only02:12:29.520 - 2:12:16 PM; Donna Lee Woods recounts a distressing experience at her goat milk dairy farm in Lee, New Hampshire. She describes an inspection that led to the seizure of her goats, including the traumatic handling and subsequent conditions of the animals. Woods emphasizes the cruelty and fear she experienced during the seizure and the financial and emotional toll it took on her farm.
HB616: Rob Johnson, New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation's Policy Director Support02:17:50.558 - 2:17:37 PM; Rob Johnson supports HB616, focusing on the need for public officials to be involved in animal seizures, rather than private citizens. He highlights changes in the bill that ensure only licensed veterinarians or their designees can make probable cause determinations for livestock seizures. Johnson also mentions support from former Commissioner of Agriculture Lorraine Maryland.
HB616: Representative Peter Bixby, Ranking Member of House Environment and Agriculture, representing Dover, New Hampshire Information Only02:21:13.680 - 2:21:00 PM; Representative Bixby provides context to the bill's amendments, explaining that previous revisions aimed to improve due process but overlooked the need for charges to be filed before certain rights are enacted. He discusses the importance of clear documentation when signing away animals and the role of the cost of care fund in protecting municipalities. Bixby supports the removal of non-sworn officers from executing the criminal code and the need for a study committee to clean up the existing statute.
HB616: Lisa Dennis, New Hampshire SPCA Information Only02:25:33.560 - 2:25:20 PM; Lisa Dennis clarifies that humane agents cannot seize animals without a search warrant, and any seizure is executed by police. She discusses the challenges in bringing charges due to the time needed for evidence collection and the limitations of the cost of care fund, which often does not cover the full expenses incurred during long court proceedings. Dennis highlights the need for more effective cost of care regulations and the partnership between humane societies and law enforcement.
HB616: Kurt Erinberg, New Hampshire State Director for Humane World for Animals Oppose02:31:01.520 - 2:30:48 PM; Kurt Erinberg opposes HB616, arguing that it hinders animal cruelty investigations and enforcement. He states that the bill forces premature charging of owners and can lead to animals being returned to inadequate care. Erinberg emphasizes the importance of partnerships with nonprofits and criticizes the reliance on the cost of care law, which he sees as inadequate. He suggests listening to the testimony from the Hudson police chief for a balanced view.
HB616: Henry Ahern, Deer Farmer, Resident of Plymouth, New Hampshire Support02:33:41.200 - 2:33:28 PM; Henry Ahern supports HB616, expressing his concern about uninformed individuals reporting animal conditions leading to unnecessary seizures. As a deer farmer, he emphasizes the need for veterinarians or knowledgeable designees to assess livestock conditions during investigations.
HB88: Representative Dan McGuire, Representing Epsom, New Hampshire Support02:36:16.800 - 2:36:03 PM; Representative McGuire supports HB88, which introduces community property as an estate planning tool for families to save on federal income tax. He explains that the bill, already law in other states without income tax, allows spouses to hold property as community property, providing a tax advantage upon the death of one spouse. McGuire clarifies that the amendment removed the fiscal note, making the bill irrelevant to state finances.
HV59: Committee Member Vote02:58:19.600 - 2:58:06 PM; A motion to re-refer HV59 was made and passed with no opposition. The concern was that the bill, which involves penalties for assaulting firefighters or police officers, might set a precedent for other groups to seek similar legislation, complicating legal frameworks.
HV146: Committee Member Vote02:59:07.200 - 2:58:54 PM; A motion to Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) HV146 was made due to concerns about the bill's implications. The motion was seconded and passed with no opposition.
HB146: Committee Member Information Only02:59:53.200 - 2:59:40 PM; The committee member discussed Representative Flanigan's input on the bill, mentioning that there was no direct testimony supporting the need for the bill, only a secondhand story about a violation defense. They highlighted the potential workload and costs to law enforcement if the bill were to pass and mentioned that they were only aware of one incident related to the bill. The committee member proposed to recommend the bill as Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) but was open to other suggestions. The ITL motion was passed by consent.
HB195: Committee Member Information Only03:00:54.640 - 3:00:41 PM; The committee member confirmed that the previous bill discussed was HB146 and then moved on to discuss HB195. An ITL motion was proposed and passed by consent without further discussion.
HB291: Senator Oppose03:02:03.000 - 3:01:50 PM; The senator proposed an ITL motion for HB291, the fertilizer amendment. They expressed concerns about setting a precedent with a law requiring a written warning for the first offense, as it was unprecedented. They noted that the law was new and that there had been misconceptions about its application, specifically regarding the necessity of a conviction for subsequent offenses. The senator argued against codifying such a requirement into statute and believed it should remain a discretionary function of law enforcement. The ITL motion was passed by consent.
HB380: Committee Member Oppose03:08:04.200 - 3:07:51 PM; The committee member discussed HB380, which deals with penalties for selling therapeutic cannabis to individuals without the necessary cards. They argued that the existing penalties, including losing the therapeutic cannabis card, were sufficient and served as a deterrent. They questioned the necessity of changing the law, especially since no one had been charged under the current statute. The committee member also noted that those with therapeutic cannabis cards have agreed to the penalties when obtaining their cards. An ITL motion was proposed and passed by consent.
HB468: Committee Member Support03:13:17.200 - 3:13:04 PM; The committee member proposed an ought to pass motion for HB468, which establishes penalties for the unlawful use of unmanned aircraft. They mentioned that an amendment was not necessary due to federal preemption over federal installations and the potential risk of overstepping state authority. The ought to pass motion was passed by consent.
HB482: Committee Member Support03:15:41.680 - 3:15:28 PM; The committee member proposed an ought to pass motion for HB482, which relates to driving over 100 mph being considered reckless, not necessarily related to drunk driving. The motion was passed by consent.
HB551: Committee Member Support03:16:55.680 - 3:16:42 PM; The committee member proposed an ought to pass motion for HB551, which aims to repeal the license requirement for selling pistols and revolvers. They argued that the current law was unnecessary and noted the absence of the prime sponsor during the discussion. The ought to pass motion was passed by consent.
HB697: Committee Member Information Only03:19:06.080 - 3:18:53 PM; The committee member discussed HB697, which initially included both gas mileage and daily payment for witnesses. The bill's sponsor later clarified that they only intended to include gas mileage. The committee member proposed to re-refer the bill to address this issue, and the motion to re-refer was passed by consent.
HB776: Committee Member Support03:22:10.960 - 3:21:57 PM; The committee member proposed an ought to pass motion for HB776, which deals with the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated. The motion was passed by consent.
HB218 1665s: Committee Member Support03:23:32.239 - 3:23:19 PM; The committee member introduced amendment 1665s for HB218, which requires law enforcement to inform victims about resources, financial assistance, and their rights to receive a copy of the initial incident report. There was some concern about potential redactions needed in the report, but the amendment was adopted by consent.
HB670: Committee Member Support03:27:44.960 - 3:27:31 PM; The committee member discussed HB670, which deals with dogs biting and causing nuisances. They mentioned a proposed committee amendment suggested by trial lawyers, which was adopted by consent.

Gannon, Bill(Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Abbas, Daryl(V Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2024
McConkey, Mark(R)	Reardon, Tara(D)