SB 619-FN (2026): establishing procedures for expedited court hearings and disposition of confiscated animals.

SB 619-FN (2026)

establishing procedures for expedited court hearings and disposition of confiscated animals.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Judiciary
• Senate committee: Judiciary
• Subject: Animals
• Chapter law: 143

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the Senate Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 12, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 4–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-0848s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-0848s) was adopted on a voice vote on March 5, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On March 5, 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 12, 2026 and was referred to the House Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 25, 2026, with 3 people signed in online: 2 in support and 1 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on April 8, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 18–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1347h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1347h) was adopted on a voice vote on April 23, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On April 23, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. On May 7, 2026 the Senate voted to agree to the other chamber's changes on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Bill Gannon. The bill was enrolled on May 21, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on June 12, 2026, making it Chapter 143 of the session laws. It takes effect January 1, 2027.

Sponsors

• Sen. Daryl Abbas (R - SD22) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. Joe Alexander (R - Hills 29)
• Sen. Kevin Avard (R - SD12)
• Sen. Regina Birdsell (R - SD19)
• Rep. Cathryn Harvey (D - Ches 6)
• Sen. Daniel Innis (R - SD7)
• Sen. Tim McGough (R - SD11)
• Sen. Keith Murphy (R - SD16)
• Sen. Victoria Sullivan (R - SD18)
• Sen. David Watters (D - SD4)

Hearings and Sessions

• February 12, 2026, 1:10 PM: hearing, Senate Judiciary, SH 100
• March 5, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• March 25, 2026, 10:00 AM: public hearing, House Judiciary, GP 230
• April 8, 2026, 10:30 AM: executive session, House Judiciary, GP 230
• April 23, 2026: consent calendar, House
• May 7, 2026: floor debate, Senate

Votes

• March 5, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-0848s — voice vote, passed
• April 23, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-1347h — voice vote, passed
• May 7, 2026, Senate: Concur with the House Amendment — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 644:8

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 5
• SC 8
• SJ 5
• HJ 8, page 114
• HJ 11, page 11
• SJ 11
• SJ 14
• HJ 14, page 34
• House Calendar 16, 2026, committee report