SB 535 (2026): defining residential breeder and imported animal for the purposes of animal transfers and removing references to commercial kennels.

SB 535 (2026)

defining residential breeder and imported animal for the purposes of animal transfers and removing references to commercial kennels.

• Status: Vetoed, override failed
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Environment and Agriculture
• Senate committee: Energy and Natural Resources
• Subject: Animals

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 17, 2026. The committee voted 4–1 to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1124s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1124s) was adopted on a voice vote on March 26, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On March 26, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on March 26, 2026 and was referred to the House Environment and Agriculture committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 14, 2026, with 26 people signed in online: 26 in support. The committee held work sessions on April 14, 2026 and April 28, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 13–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1740h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1740h) was adopted on a voice vote on May 7, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On May 7, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. On May 14, 2026 the Senate voted to agree to the other chamber's changes on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Kevin Avard. The bill was enrolled on June 4, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor vetoed it on July 2, 2026. The legislature can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. On August 19, 2026 the Senate voted 5–19 on overriding the governor's veto on a roll call, and the veto was sustained, failing to meet the two thirds threshold.

Sponsors

• Sen. Howard Pearl (R - SD17) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Daryl Abbas (R - SD22)
• Rep. Judy Aron (R - Sull 4)
• Rep. Cyril Aures (R - Merr 13)
• Sen. Kevin Avard (R - SD12)
• Rep. Peter Bixby (D - Straf 13)
• Sen. Daniel Innis (R - SD7)
• Sen. Timothy Lang (R - SD2)
• Rep. Michael Moffett (R - Merr 4)
• Sen. David Rochefort (R - SD1)
• Sen. Cindy Rosenwald (D - SD13)
• Sen. David Watters (D - SD4)
• Rep. Clayton Wood (R - Merr 13)

Hearings and Sessions

• February 17, 2026, 9:40 AM: hearing, Senate Energy and Natural Resources, SH 103
• March 26, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• April 14, 2026, 11:00 AM: public hearing, House Environment and Agriculture, GP 153
• April 14, 2026, 1:30 PM: full committee work session, House Environment and Agriculture, GP 153
• April 28, 2026, 10:00 AM: full committee work session, House Environment and Agriculture, GP 153
• May 7, 2026: consent calendar, House
• May 14, 2026: floor debate, Senate
• August 19, 2026: floor debate, Senate

Votes

• March 26, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-1124s — voice vote, passed
• May 7, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-1740h — voice vote, passed
• May 14, 2026, Senate: Concur with the House Amendment — voice vote, passed
• August 19, 2026, Senate: Veto Override — yeas 5, nays 19, failed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 437:1
• RSA 466:6
• RSA 466:4

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 5
• SC 11
• SJ 7
• HJ 9, page 54
• HC 18, page 6
• HJ 12, page 7
• SJ 12
• SJ 14
• HJ 15, page 45
• SJ 15