{"id": "HB1766", "year": 2026, "term": "2025-2026", "title": "relative to cruelty to livestock.", "narrative": "It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the House Environment and Agriculture committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 3, 2026, with 623 people signed in online: 48 in support and 575 in opposition. The committee held work sessions on February 10, 2026, February 17, 2026, February 18, 2026, February 24, 2026 and March 3, 2026. The committee met in executive session on March 3, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted 12\u20131 to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-0985h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-0985h) was adopted on a voice vote on March 11, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On March 11, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. It crossed to the Senate on March 12, 2026 and was referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 2, 2026. The bill was taken off the consent calendar on April 16, 2026. On April 16, 2026 the Senate adopted \u201cSpecial Order to the Next Session, Without Objection\u201d. The committee voted unanimously, 5\u20130, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1432s). On April 23, 2026 the Senate rejected a motion to lay it on the table on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Donovan Fenton. The committee's amendment (2026-1432s) was adopted on a voice vote on April 23, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On April 23, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. On May 7, 2026 the House adopted \u201cHouse Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1432s\u201d on a voice vote, on a motion by Rep. Judy Aron. The bill was enrolled on June 4, 2026 \u2014 the final check of the text before it goes to the governor \u2014 and an enrolled bill amendment (2026-2129e) was adopted on a voice vote to correct technical errors found after passage. The governor vetoed it on June 19, 2026. The legislature can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. On August 19, 2026 the House voted 249\u201356 to override the governor's veto on a roll call, meeting the two thirds threshold. On August 19, 2026 the Senate voted 11\u201313 on overriding the governor's veto on a roll call, and the veto was sustained, failing to meet the two thirds threshold.", "stages": [{"label": "House Committee (Environment and Agriculture)", "hand": "H:committee", "text": "It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the House Environment and Agriculture committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 3, 2026, with 623 people signed in online: 48 in support and 575 in opposition. The committee held work sessions on February 10, 2026, February 17, 2026, February 18, 2026, February 24, 2026 and March 3, 2026. The committee met in executive session on March 3, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted 12\u20131 to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-0985h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar.", "notes": ["A committee decides whether its report goes on the consent calendar, and can send it there even when its members divided on the recommendation itself. The chamber adopts all the reports on its consent calendar in one vote, without floor debate, unless a bill is taken off it first."]}, {"label": "On the House Floor", "hand": "H:floor", "text": "The committee's amendment (2026-0985h) was adopted on a voice vote on March 11, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On March 11, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote.", "notes": []}, {"label": "Senate Committee (Energy and Natural Resources)", "hand": "S:committee", "text": "It crossed to the Senate on March 12, 2026 and was referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 2, 2026. The bill was taken off the consent calendar on April 16, 2026.", "notes": ["The Senate took this bill off its consent calendar."]}, {"label": "On the Senate Floor", "hand": "S:floor", "text": "On April 16, 2026 the Senate adopted \u201cSpecial Order to the Next Session, Without Objection\u201d.", "notes": []}, {"label": "Senate Committee (Energy and Natural Resources)", "hand": "S:committee", "text": "The committee voted unanimously, 5\u20130, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1432s).", "notes": []}, {"label": "On the Senate Floor", "hand": "S:floor", "text": "On April 23, 2026 the Senate rejected a motion to lay it on the table on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Donovan Fenton. The committee's amendment (2026-1432s) was adopted on a voice vote on April 23, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On April 23, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading.", "notes": ["Laying a bill on the table sets it aside without voting it down. A tabled bill can be taken back up later, but dies at the end of the session if it is not."]}, {"label": "On the House Floor", "hand": "H:floor", "text": "On May 7, 2026 the House adopted \u201cHouse Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1432s\u201d on a voice vote, on a motion by Rep. Judy Aron.", "notes": []}, {"label": "With the Governor", "hand": "G:governor", "text": "The bill was enrolled on June 4, 2026 \u2014 the final check of the text before it goes to the governor \u2014 and an enrolled bill amendment (2026-2129e) was adopted on a voice vote to correct technical errors found after passage. The governor vetoed it on June 19, 2026. The legislature can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.", "notes": []}, {"label": "On the House Floor", "hand": "H:floor", "text": "On August 19, 2026 the House voted 249\u201356 to override the governor's veto on a roll call, meeting the two thirds threshold.", "notes": []}, {"label": "On the Senate Floor", "hand": "S:floor", "text": "On August 19, 2026 the Senate voted 11\u201313 on overriding the governor's veto on a roll call, and the veto was sustained, failing to meet the two thirds threshold.", "notes": []}], "story_people": [{"text": "Sen. Donovan Fenton", "label": "Sen. Donovan Fenton (D - SD10)", "slug": "donovan-fenton-sd-10"}, {"text": "Rep. Judy Aron", "label": "Rep. Judy Aron (R - Sull 4)", "slug": "judy-aron-sull-4"}], "notes": [], "vote_note": "", "events": [{"date": "2026-01-07", "text": "Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Environment and Agriculture", "routine": false, "cite": "HJ 1, page 35", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/house/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=journals%5C2026%5CHJ%2001%20January%207%2C%202026.pdf", "plain": "Introduced and referred to Environment and Agriculture"}, {"date": "2026-02-03", "text": "Public Hearing: 02/03/2026 03:00 pm GP 153", "routine": false, "testimony": {"date": "2026-02-03", "total": 623, "support": 48, "oppose": 575, "neutral": 0, "dated": true}}, {"date": "2026-02-10", "text": "Full Committee Work Session: 02/10/2026 10:00 am GP 153", "routine": false}, {"date": "2026-02-17", "text": "Subcommittee Work Session: 02/17/2026 09:00 am GP 153", "routine": false}, {"date": "2026-02-17", "text": "Full Committee Work Session: 02/17/2026 10:00 am GP 153", "routine": false}, {"date": "2026-02-18", "text": "Subcommittee Work Session: 02/18/2026 09:30 am GP 153", "routine": false}, {"date": "2026-02-24", "text": "Full Committee Work Session: 02/24/2026 10:00 am GP 153", "routine": false}, {"date": "2026-03-03", "text": "Subcommittee Work Session: 03/03/2026 09:30 am GP 153", "routine": false}, {"date": "2026-03-03", "text": "Full Committee Work Session: 03/03/2026 10:15 am GP 153", "routine": false}, {"date": "2026-03-03", "text": "Executive Session: 03/03/2026 10:15 am GP 153", "routine": false}, {"date": "2026-03-03", "text": "Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0985h 03/03/2026 (Vote 12-1; CC)", "routine": false, "cite": "HC 10, page 17", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/house/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=calendars%5C2026%5CNo10%20March%206%202026.pdf", "plain": "Committee report: pass the bill with changes (amendment 2026-0985h), 12\u20131, for the consent calendar"}, {"date": "2026-03-11", "text": "Amendment # 2026-0985h: AA VV 03/11/2026", "routine": false, "cite": "HJ 7, page 36", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/house/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=journals%5C2026%5CHJ%2007%20March%2011%2C%202026.pdf", "plain": "Amendment 2026-0985h adopted, on a voice vote"}, {"date": "2026-03-11", "text": "Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0985h: MA VV 03/11/2026", "routine": false, "cite": "HJ 7, page 36", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/house/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=journals%5C2026%5CHJ%2007%20March%2011%2C%202026.pdf", "plain": "Bill passed with changes, on a voice vote"}, {"date": "2026-03-12", "text": "Introduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Energy and Natural Resources", "routine": false, "cite": "SJ 7", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/Journals/2026/SJ%2007%20March%2026%2C%202026.PDF", "plain": "Introduced and referred to Energy and Natural Resources"}, {"date": "2026-04-02", "text": "Hearing: 04/02/2026, Room 103, SH, 09:30 am", "routine": false, "cite": "SC 12", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=Calendars%5C2026%5CNo%2012%20March%2026%202026.pdf", "plain": "Public hearing, 9:30 a.m., Room 103, State House"}, {"date": "2026-04-16", "text": "HB 1766 was Removed from the Consent Calendar; 04/16/2026", "routine": false, "cite": "SJ 9", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/Journals/2026/SJ%2009%20April%2016%2C%202026.PDF", "plain": "Removed from the consent calendar, to be debated"}, {"date": "2026-04-16", "text": "Special Order to the Next Session, Without Objection, MA; 04/16/2026", "routine": true, "cite": "SJ 9", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/Journals/2026/SJ%2009%20April%2016%2C%202026.PDF", "plain": "Rescheduled"}, {"date": "2026-04-23", "text": "Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1432s, 04/23/2026, Vote 5-0", "routine": false, "cite": "SC 15", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=Calendars%5C2026%5CNo%2015%20April%2016%202026.pdf", "plain": "Committee report: pass the bill with changes (amendment 2026-1432s), 5\u20130"}, {"date": "2026-04-23", "text": "Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1432s, 04/23/2026, Vote 5-0", "routine": false, "cite": "SC 15", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=Calendars%5C2026%5CNo%2015%20April%2016%202026.pdf", "plain": "Committee report: pass the bill with changes (amendment 2026-1432s), 5\u20130"}, {"date": "2026-04-23", "text": "Sen. Fenton Moved Laid on Table, MF, VV; 04/23/2026", "routine": false, "cite": "SJ 10", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/Journals/2026/SJ%2010%20April%2023%2C%202026.PDF", "plain": "Sen. Fenton moved to set the bill aside"}, {"date": "2026-04-23", "text": "Committee Amendment # 2026-1432s, AA, VV; 04/23/2026", "routine": false, "cite": "SJ 10", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/Journals/2026/SJ%2010%20April%2023%2C%202026.PDF", "plain": "Committee amendment 2026-1432s adopted, on a voice vote"}, {"date": "2026-04-23", "text": "Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1432s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 04/23/2026", "routine": false, "cite": "SJ 10", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/Journals/2026/SJ%2010%20April%2023%2C%202026.PDF", "plain": "Bill passed with changes, on a voice vote"}, {"date": "2026-05-07", "text": "House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1432s (Rep. J. Aron): MA VV 05/07/2026", "routine": false, "cite": "HJ 12, page 4", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/house/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=journals%5C2026%5CHJ%2012%20May%207%2C%202026.pdf", "plain": "Changes accepted, on a voice vote"}, {"date": "2026-05-21", "text": "Enrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-2129e Adopted, VV, (In recess of 05/21/2026)", "routine": true, "cite": "SJ 14", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/Journals/2026/SJ%2014%20June%204%2C%202026.PDF", "plain": "Enrolled bill amendment 2026-2129e adopted, on a voice vote"}, {"date": "2026-05-21", "text": "Enrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-2129e: AA VV (in recess of) 05/21/2026", "routine": true, "cite": "HJ 14, page 40", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/house/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=journals%5C2026%5CHJ%2014%20May%2021%2C%202026.pdf", "plain": "Enrolled bill amendment 2026-2129e adopted, on a voice vote"}, {"date": "2026-06-04", "text": "Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026)", "routine": false, "cite": "SJ 14", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/Journals/2026/SJ%2014%20June%204%2C%202026.PDF", "plain": "Enrolled: the final text checked before it goes to the Governor"}, {"date": "2026-06-04", "text": "Enrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026", "routine": false, "cite": "HJ 15, page 43", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/house/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=journals%5C2026%5CHJ%2015%20June%204%2C%202026.pdf", "plain": "Enrolled: the final text checked before it goes to the Governor"}, {"date": "2026-06-19", "text": "Vetoed by Governor Ayotte 06/19/2026", "routine": false}, {"date": "2026-08-19", "text": "Veto Overridden 08/19/2026: RC 249-56 by Required Two-Thirds Vote", "routine": false, "cite": "HJ 16, page 54", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/house/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=journals%5C2026%5CHJ%2016%20August%2019%2C%202026.pdf", "plain": "Veto overridden, 249\u201356 on a roll call"}, {"date": "2026-08-19", "text": "Notwithstanding the Governor's Veto, Shall HB 1766 Become Law: RC 11Y-13N, Veto Sustained, lacking the necessary two-thirds vote; 08/19/2026", "routine": false, "cite": "SJ 15", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/Journals/2026/SJ%2015.pdf", "plain": "Veto sustained, 11\u201313 to override on a roll call, short of two thirds"}], "next_step": "Vetoed. The override failed and the bill is dead", "status_source": "General Court docket", "chapter": "", "journey": {"steps": [{"date": "2026-03-11", "body": "H", "act": "passed", "mark": "p", "text": "Passed with an amendment on a voice vote"}, {"date": "2026-04-23", "body": "S", "act": "passed", "mark": "p", "text": "Passed with an amendment on a voice vote"}, {"date": "2026-05-07", "body": "H", "act": "concurred", "mark": "p", "text": "Agreed to the Senate's amendment on a voice vote"}, {"date": "2026-06-19", "body": "G", "act": "vetoed", "mark": "x", "text": "Vetoed"}, {"date": "2026-08-19", "body": "H", "act": "override", "mark": "p", "text": "Veto overridden, 249\u201356"}, {"date": "2026-08-19", "body": "S", "act": "sustained", "mark": "x", "text": "Veto sustained, 11\u201313 to override"}], "rail": [{"stop": "Introduced", "mark": "p", "date": "2026-01-07", "say": "Introduced"}, {"stop": "House", "mark": "p", "date": "2026-03-11", "say": "Passed with an amendment on a voice vote"}, {"stop": "Senate", "mark": "p", "date": "2026-04-23", "say": "Passed with an amendment on a voice vote"}, {"stop": "Governor", "mark": "x", "date": "2026-06-19", "say": "Vetoed"}, {"stop": "Law", "mark": "x", "date": "2026-08-19", "say": "Did not become law"}]}, "text_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?id=2048&txtFormat=html&sy=2026", "facts": {"lsr": "2839", "body": "H", "local": "N", "gen_status": "VETOED BY GOVERNOR", "house_status": "VETO OVERRIDDEN", "senate_status": "VETO SUSTAINED", "date_introduced": "1/7/2026", "floor_date": "8/19/2026", "committee_code": "H06"}, "sponsors": [{"member_id": "8274", "name": "Comtois, Barbara", "party": "R", "chamber": "H", "label": "Rep. Barbara Comtois (R - Belk 7)", "sequence": 0, "prime": true, "role": "Prime", "county": "Belk", "district": "07", "display_plain": "Rep. Barbara Comtois", "display": "Rep. Barbara Comtois (R)", "display_full": "Rep. Barbara Comtois (R - Belk 7)", "district_label": "Belk 7", "sort": "comtois, barbara", "slug": "barbara-comtois-belk-7"}, {"member_id": "9429", "name": "Aron, Judy", "party": "R", "chamber": "H", "label": "Rep. Judy Aron (R - Sull 4)", "sequence": 1, "prime": false, "role": "Sponsor", "county": "Sull", "district": "04", "display_plain": "Rep. Judy Aron", "display": "Rep. Judy Aron (R)", "display_full": "Rep. Judy Aron (R - Sull 4)", "district_label": "Sull 4", "sort": "aron, judy", "slug": "judy-aron-sull-4"}, {"member_id": "678", "name": "Bixby, Peter", "party": "D", "chamber": "H", "label": "Rep. Peter Bixby (D - Straf 13)", "sequence": 1, "prime": false, "role": "Sponsor", "county": "Straf", "district": "13", "display_plain": "Rep. Peter Bixby", "display": "Rep. Peter Bixby (D)", "display_full": "Rep. Peter Bixby (D - Straf 13)", "district_label": "Straf 13", "sort": "bixby, peter", "slug": "peter-bixby-straf-13"}], "rollcalls": [{"date": "2026-03-11", "body": "H", "question": "Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0985h", "mover": "", "yeas": null, "nays": null, "passed": true, "vote_kind": "VV", "vote_kind_label": "voice vote", "threshold_note": null, "tally": {}, "members": [], "amendment": null, "mk": "otpa", "mf": {}}, {"date": "2026-04-23", "body": "S", "question": "Laid on Table", "mover": "Sen. Donovan Fenton", "yeas": null, "nays": null, "passed": false, "vote_kind": "VV", "vote_kind_label": "voice vote", "threshold_note": null, "tally": {}, "members": [], "amendment": null, "mk": "table", "mf": {}, "mrec": "Laid on Table", "mover_m": {"label": "Sen. Donovan Fenton (D - SD10)", "slug": "donovan-fenton-sd-10"}}, {"date": "2026-04-23", "body": "S", "question": "Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1432s", "mover": "", "yeas": null, "nays": null, "passed": true, "vote_kind": "VV", "vote_kind_label": "voice vote", "threshold_note": null, "tally": {}, "members": [], "amendment": null, "mk": "otpa", "mf": {}}, {"date": "2026-05-07", "body": "H", "question": "House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1432s", "mover": "Rep. Judy Aron", "yeas": null, "nays": null, "passed": true, "vote_kind": "VV", "vote_kind_label": "voice vote", "threshold_note": null, "tally": {}, "members": [], "amendment": null, "mk": "concur", "mf": {}, "mrec": "House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1432s", "mover_m": {"label": "Rep. Judy Aron (R - Sull 4)", "slug": "judy-aron-sull-4"}}, {"date": "2026-08-19", "body": "H", "question": "Veto Override", "yeas": 249, "nays": 56, "passed": true, "threshold_note": "Needed 204 \u2014 two thirds of the 305 members voting.", "amendment": null, "threshold_needed": 204, "threshold_rule": "two thirds of the 305 members voting", "tally": {"R": {"Nay": 25, "Yea": 144, "Not Voting/Excused": 19, "Presiding": 1, "Not Voting/Not Excused": 24}, "D": {"Yea": 105, "Not Voting/Not Excused": 21, "Not Voting/Excused": 13, "Nay": 31}, "I": {"Not Voting/Not Excused": 1}}, "members": [{"n": "Rep. Phyllis Katsakiores (R)", "s": "katsakiores, phyllis", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Mary Jane Wallner (D)", "s": "wallner, mary jane", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. John Hunt (R)", "s": "hunt, john", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Janet Wall (D)", "s": "wall, janet", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Wayne Burton (D)", "s": "burton, wayne", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Gary Gilmore (D)", "s": "gilmore, gary", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Kenneth Weyler (R)", "s": "weyler, kenneth", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Gary Daniels (R)", "s": "daniels, gary", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Sherman Packard (R)", "s": "packard, sherman", "p": "R", "v": "Presiding"}, {"n": "Rep. John Sytek (R)", "s": "sytek, john", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. John Cloutier (D)", "s": "cloutier, john", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. James MacKay (D)", "s": "mackay, james", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Susan Almy (D)", "s": "almy, susan", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Joseph Guthrie (R)", "s": "guthrie, joseph", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Peter Leishman (D)", "s": "leishman, peter", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Marjorie Smith (D)", "s": "smith, marjorie", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Michael Harrington (R)", "s": "harrington, michael", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Charles McMahon (R)", "s": "mcmahon, charles", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Maureen Mooney (R)", "s": "mooney, maureen", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Peter Schmidt (D)", "s": "schmidt, peter", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Ralph Boehm (R)", "s": "boehm, ralph", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Jordan Ulery (R)", "s": "ulery, jordan", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Thomas Buco (D)", "s": "buco, thomas", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Jean Jeudy (D)", "s": "jeudy, jean", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Lucy Weber (D)", "s": "weber, lucy", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Debra DeSimone (R)", "s": "desimone, debra", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Larry Gagne (R)", "s": "gagne, larry", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Timothy Horrigan (D)", "s": "horrigan, timothy", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Rick Ladd (R)", "s": "ladd, rick", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Carol McGuire (R)", "s": "mcguire, carol", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Timothy Soucy (D)", "s": "soucy, timothy", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Susan DeLemus (R)", "s": "delemus, susan", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Jack Flanagan (R)", "s": "flanagan, jack", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Gregory Hill (R)", "s": "hill, gregory", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. David Lundgren (R)", "s": "lundgren, david", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Dan McGuire (R)", "s": "mcguire, dan", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Jeanine Notter (R)", "s": "notter, jeanine", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Bill Ohm (R)", "s": "ohm, bill", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Mark Proulx (R)", "s": "proulx, mark", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Brian Seaworth (R)", "s": "seaworth, brian", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Steven Smith (R)", "s": "smith, steven", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Marc Tremblay (R)", "s": "tremblay, marc", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Mark Warden (R)", "s": "warden, mark", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Dick Ames (D)", "s": "ames, dick", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Paul Berch (D)", "s": "berch, paul", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Peter Bixby (D)", "s": "bixby, peter", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Efstathia Booras (D)", "s": "booras, efstathia", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Michael Cahill (D)", "s": "cahill, michael", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Karel Crawford (R)", "s": "crawford, karel", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Linda DiSilvestro (D)", "s": "disilvestro, linda", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Karen Ebel (D)", "s": "ebel, karen", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Linda Harriott-Gathright (D)", "s": "harriott-gathright, linda", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Martin Jack (D)", "s": "jack, martin", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Aboul Khan (R)", "s": "khan, aboul", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Dennis Malloy (D)", "s": "malloy, dennis", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. David Milz (R)", "s": "milz, david", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Chris Muns (D)", "s": "muns, chris", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Skip Rollins (R)", "s": "rollins, skip", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Thomas Schamberg (D)", "s": "schamberg, thomas", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Joe Sweeney (R)", "s": "sweeney, joe", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. George Sykes (D)", "s": "sykes, george", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Thomas Walsh (R)", "s": "walsh, thomas", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Gerald Ward (D)", "s": "ward, gerald", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Glen Aldrich (R)", "s": "aldrich, glen", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Keith Ammon (R)", "s": "ammon, keith", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Lino Avellani (R)", "s": "avellani, lino", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Russell Dumais (R)", "s": "dumais, russell", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Thomas Kaczynski (R)", "s": "kaczynski, thomas", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Mark McLean (R)", "s": "mclean, mark", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Jason Osborne (R)", "s": "osborne, jason", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. John Potucek (R)", "s": "potucek, john", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Katherine Prudhomme-O'Brien (R)", "s": "prudhomme-o'brien, katherine", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Kimberly Rice (R)", "s": "rice, kimberly", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. James Spillane (R)", "s": "spillane, james", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Douglas Thomas (R)", "s": "thomas, douglas", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Len Turcotte (R)", "s": "turcotte, len", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Peter Varney (R)", "s": "varney, peter", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Michael Vose (R)", "s": "vose, michael", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Patricia Cornell (D)", "s": "cornell, patricia", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Linda Gould (R)", "s": "gould, linda", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Christopher Herbert (D)", "s": "herbert, christopher", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. David Luneau (D)", "s": "luneau, david", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Alexis Simpson (D)", "s": "simpson, alexis", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Thomas Southworth (D)", "s": "southworth, thomas", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Michael Edgar (D)", "s": "edgar, michael", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Michael Moffett (R)", "s": "moffett, michael", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Barry Faulkner (D)", "s": "faulkner, barry", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Barbara Comtois (R)", "s": "comtois, barbara", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Jim Fedolfi (R)", "s": "fedolfi, jim", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Gerald Griffin (R)", "s": "griffin, gerald", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Lisa Freeman (R)", "s": "freeman, lisa", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Richard Lascelles (R)", "s": "lascelles, richard", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Kevin Scully (R)", "s": "scully, kevin", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Andrew Prout (R)", "s": "prout, andrew", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. John Leavitt (R)", "s": "leavitt, john", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Kevin Verville (R)", "s": "verville, kevin", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Jess Edwards (R)", "s": "edwards, jess", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Richard Tripp (R)", "s": "tripp, richard", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. John Janigian (R)", "s": "janigian, john", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Cathryn Harvey (D)", "s": "harvey, cathryn", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Mark MacKenzie (D)", "s": "mackenzie, mark", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Sue Newman (D)", "s": "newman, sue", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Catherine Sofikitis (D)", "s": "sofikitis, catherine", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Beth Richards (D)", "s": "richards, beth", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Ellen Read (D)", "s": "read, ellen", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Julie Gilman (D)", "s": "gilman, julie", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Mark Pearson (R)", "s": "pearson, mark", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Kris Schultz (D)", "s": "schultz, kris", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Charlie St. Clair (D)", "s": "st. clair, charlie", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Brian Sullivan (D)", "s": "sullivan, brian", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Anita Burroughs (D)", "s": "burroughs, anita", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Stephen Woodcock (D)", "s": "woodcock, stephen", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. John MacDonald (R)", "s": "macdonald, john", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Jerry Stringham (D)", "s": "stringham, jerry", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Sallie Fellows (D)", "s": "fellows, sallie", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Laurel Stavis (D)", "s": "stavis, laurel", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Keith Erf (R)", "s": "erf, keith", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Nancy Murphy (D)", "s": "murphy, nancy", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Rosemarie Rung (D)", "s": "rung, rosemarie", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Wendy Thomas (D)", "s": "thomas, wendy", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Ray Newman (D)", "s": "newman, ray", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Fred Davis (D)", "s": "davis, fred", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Laura Telerski (D)", "s": "telerski, laura", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Matthew Wilhelm (D)", "s": "wilhelm, matthew", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Connie Lane (D)", "s": "lane, connie", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Gary Woods (D)", "s": "woods, gary", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Tom Dolan (R)", "s": "dolan, tom", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. David Love (R)", "s": "love, david", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Stephen Pearson (R)", "s": "pearson, stephen", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Mark Vallone (D)", "s": "vallone, mark", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Robert Harb (R)", "s": "harb, robert", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Charles Melvin (R)", "s": "melvin, charles", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Gaby Grossman (D)", "s": "grossman, gaby", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Jim Maggiore (D)", "s": "maggiore, jim", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. David Meuse (D)", "s": "meuse, david", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Terry Roy (R)", "s": "roy, terry", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Cassandra Levesque (D)", "s": "levesque, cassandra", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Judy Aron (R)", "s": "aron, judy", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Megan Murray (D)", "s": "murray, megan", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Kat McGhee (D)", "s": "mcghee, kat", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Joe Alexander (R)", "s": "alexander, joe", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Paul Dargie (D)", "s": "dargie, paul", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Peter Petrigno (D)", "s": "petrigno, peter", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Tom Ploszaj (R)", "s": "ploszaj, tom", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Mike Bordes (R)", "s": "bordes, mike", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Juliet Harvey-Bolia (R)", "s": "harvey-bolia, juliet", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Douglas Trottier (R)", "s": "trottier, douglas", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Jonathan Smith (R)", "s": "smith, jonathan", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Chris McAleer (D)", "s": "mcaleer, chris", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Dru Fox (D)", "s": "fox, dru", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Lucius Parshall (D)", "s": "parshall, lucius", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. James Qualey (R)", "s": "qualey, james", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Jennifer Rhodes (R)", "s": "rhodes, jennifer", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Arnold Davis (R)", "s": "davis, arnold", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Lex Berezhny (R)", "s": "berezhny, lex", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Mary Hakken-Phillips (D)", "s": "hakken-phillips, mary", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Russell Muirhead (D)", "s": "muirhead, russell", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Jim Kofalt (R)", "s": "kofalt, jim", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Lisa Post (R)", "s": "post, lisa", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Ted Gorski (R)", "s": "gorski, ted", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Daniel Veilleux (D)", "s": "veilleux, daniel", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Vanessa Sheehan (R)", "s": "sheehan, vanessa", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Diane Kelley (R)", "s": "kelley, diane", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Diane Pauer (R)", "s": "pauer, diane", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. James Creighton (R)", "s": "creighton, james", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Ross Berry (R)", "s": "berry, ross", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Louise Andrus (R)", "s": "andrus, louise", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Tony Caplan (D)", "s": "caplan, tony", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Jose Cambrils (R)", "s": "cambrils, jose", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Eric Gallager (D)", "s": "gallager, eric", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Matthew Pitaro (R)", "s": "pitaro, matthew", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Stephen Boyd (R)", "s": "boyd, stephen", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Paul Tudor (R)", "s": "tudor, paul", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Erica Layon (R)", "s": "layon, erica", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Julius Soti (R)", "s": "soti, julius", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Bob Lynn (R)", "s": "lynn, bob", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Susan Vandecasteele (R)", "s": "vandecasteele, susan", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Melissa Litchfield (R)", "s": "litchfield, melissa", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. JD Bernardy (R)", "s": "bernardy, jd", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Mark Paige (D)", "s": "paige, mark", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Glenn Bailey (R)", "s": "bailey, glenn", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Aidan Ankarberg (I)", "s": "ankarberg, aidan", "p": "I", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Walter Spilsbury (R)", "s": "spilsbury, walter", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Wayne MacDonald (R)", "s": "macdonald, wayne", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Paul Terry (R)", "s": "terry, paul", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Bill Boyd (R)", "s": "boyd, bill", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Muriel Hall (D)", "s": "hall, muriel", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Catherine Rombeau (D)", "s": "rombeau, catherine", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Jodi Nelson (R)", "s": "nelson, jodi", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Cyril Aures (R)", "s": "aures, cyril", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Deborah Aylward (R)", "s": "aylward, deborah", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Peggy Balboni (D)", "s": "balboni, peggy", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Heather Baldwin (D)", "s": "baldwin, heather", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Lorie Ball (R)", "s": "ball, lorie", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Luz Bay (D)", "s": "bay, luz", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Steven Bogert (R)", "s": "bogert, steven", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Bill Bolton (D)", "s": "bolton, bill", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Richard Brown (R)", "s": "brown, richard", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Claudine Burnham (R)", "s": "burnham, claudine", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Matthew Coker (R)", "s": "coker, matthew", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Rich\u00e9 Colcombe (R)", "s": "colcombe, rich\u00e9", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Travis Corcoran (R)", "s": "corcoran, travis", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Thomas Cormen (D)", "s": "cormen, thomas", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Hope Damon (D)", "s": "damon, hope", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Will Darby (D)", "s": "darby, will", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. William Dolan (D)", "s": "dolan, william", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Tanya Donnelly (R)", "s": "donnelly, tanya", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Mike Drago (R)", "s": "drago, mike", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Margaret Drye (R)", "s": "drye, margaret", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Ron Dunn (R)", "s": "dunn, ron", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Susan Elberger (D)", "s": "elberger, susan", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Charles Foote (R)", "s": "foote, charles", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Loren Foxx (D)", "s": "foxx, loren", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Nicholas Germana (D)", "s": "germana, nicholas", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Merryl Gibbs (D)", "s": "gibbs, merryl", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Michael Granger (R)", "s": "granger, michael", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Alicia Gregg (D)", "s": "gregg, alicia", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Jessica Grill (D)", "s": "grill, jessica", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Matthew Hicks (D)", "s": "hicks, matthew", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Molly Howard (D)", "s": "howard, molly", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Heath Howard (D)", "s": "howard, heath", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Allan Howland (D)", "s": "howland, allan", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Philip Jones (D)", "s": "jones, philip", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Louis Juris (D)", "s": "juris, louis", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Catherine Kenny (R)", "s": "kenny, catherine", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Seth King (R)", "s": "king, seth", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Allison Knab (D)", "s": "knab, allison", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Katelyn Kuttab (R)", "s": "kuttab, katelyn", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Jessica LaMontagne (D)", "s": "lamontagne, jessica", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Nicole Leapley (D)", "s": "leapley, nicole", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Daniel LeClerc (D)", "s": "leclerc, daniel", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Christal Lloyd (D)", "s": "lloyd, christal", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Peter Lovett (D)", "s": "lovett, peter", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Tom Mannion (R)", "s": "mannion, tom", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Dennis Mannion (R)", "s": "mannion, dennis", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Zoe Manos (D)", "s": "manos, zoe", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Lisa Mazur (R)", "s": "mazur, lisa", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Valerie McDonnell (R)", "s": "mcdonnell, valerie", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Alissandra Murray (D)", "s": "murray, alissandra", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. David Nagel (D)", "s": "nagel, david", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Jodi Newell (D)", "s": "newell, jodi", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Kristin Noble (R)", "s": "noble, kristin", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Mike Ouellet (R)", "s": "ouellet, mike", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. David Paige (D)", "s": "paige, david", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. William Palmer (D)", "s": "palmer, william", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Stephanie Payeur (D)", "s": "payeur, stephanie", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Kristine Perez (R)", "s": "perez, kristine", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Katy Peternel (R)", "s": "peternel, katy", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Yury Polozov (R)", "s": "polozov, yury", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Daniel Popovici-Muller (R)", "s": "popovici-muller, daniel", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Susan Porcelli (R)", "s": "porcelli, susan", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Kelley Potenza (R)", "s": "potenza, kelley", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Heather Raymond (D)", "s": "raymond, heather", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Ned Raynolds (D)", "s": "raynolds, ned", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. James Roesener (D)", "s": "roesener, james", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Linda Ryan (D)", "s": "ryan, linda", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Alvin See (R)", "s": "see, alvin", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Christine Seibert (D)", "s": "seibert, christine", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Loren Selig (D)", "s": "selig, loren", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. John Sellers (R)", "s": "sellers, john", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Shane Sirois (R)", "s": "sirois, shane", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Geoffrey Smith (D)", "s": "smith, geoffrey", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Carry Spier (D)", "s": "spier, carry", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Kathy Staub (D)", "s": "staub, kathy", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Jared Sullivan (D)", "s": "sullivan, jared", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. James Summers (R)", "s": "summers, james", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Trinidad Tellez (D)", "s": "tellez, trinidad", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Jeffrey Tenczar (R)", "s": "tenczar, jeffrey", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Eric Turer (D)", "s": "turer, eric", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. David Walker (R)", "s": "walker, david", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Lilli Walsh (R)", "s": "walsh, lilli", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Jonah Wheeler (D)", "s": "wheeler, jonah", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Robert Wherry (R)", "s": "wherry, robert", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Clayton Wood (R)", "s": "wood, clayton", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Dick Thackston (R)", "s": "thackston, dick", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. James Tierney (R)", "s": "tierney, james", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Brian Cole (R)", "s": "cole, brian", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Mike Belcher (R)", "s": "belcher, mike", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Marc Plamondon (D)", "s": "plamondon, marc", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. David Fracht (D)", "s": "fracht, david", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Paige Beauchemin (D)", "s": "beauchemin, paige", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Sean Durkin (R)", "s": "durkin, sean", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Erik Johnson (D)", "s": "johnson, erik", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Jennifer Mandelbaum (D)", "s": "mandelbaum, jennifer", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Michael Aron (R)", "s": "aron, michael", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Liz Barbour (R)", "s": "barbour, liz", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Joseph Barton (R)", "s": "barton, joseph", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Calvin Beaulier (R)", "s": "beaulier, calvin", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Cindy Bennett (R)", "s": "bennett, cindy", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Dan Bergeron (D)", "s": "bergeron, dan", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Marie Louise Bjelobrk (R)", "s": "bjelobrk, marie louise", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Tracy Bricchi (D)", "s": "bricchi, tracy", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Nicholas Bridle (R)", "s": "bridle, nicholas", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Pam Brown (R)", "s": "brown, pam", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Scott Bryer (R)", "s": "bryer, scott", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Manoj Chourasia (D)", "s": "chourasia, manoj", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Suzanne Chretien (D)", "s": "chretien, suzanne", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Eleana Colby (D)", "s": "colby, eleana", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Erica de Vries (D)", "s": "de vries, erica", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Denise DeDe-Poulin (R)", "s": "dede-poulin, denise", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Susan DeRoy (R)", "s": "deroy, susan", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Sayra DeVito (R)", "s": "devito, sayra", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Ricky Devoid (R)", "s": "devoid, ricky", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Matt Drew (R)", "s": "drew, matt", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Dillon Dumont (R)", "s": "dumont, dillon", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Pierre Dupont (R)", "s": "dupont, pierre", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Myles England (D)", "s": "england, myles", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Samuel Farrington (R)", "s": "farrington, samuel", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Mary Ford (R)", "s": "ford, mary", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Lily Foss (D)", "s": "foss, lily", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Linda Franz (R)", "s": "franz, linda", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Mary Georges (D)", "s": "georges, mary", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Henry Giasson (R)", "s": "giasson, henry", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Dale Girard (R)", "s": "girard, dale", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Ernesto Gonzalez (R)", "s": "gonzalez, ernesto", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. George Grant (R)", "s": "grant, george", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. James Gruber (D)", "s": "gruber, james", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Stephanie Grund (D)", "s": "grund, stephanie", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. James Guzofski (R)", "s": "guzofski, james", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Robley Hall (R)", "s": "hall, robley", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Joseph Hamblen (R)", "s": "hamblen, joseph", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Karen Hegner (D)", "s": "hegner, karen", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Wayne Hemingway (R)", "s": "hemingway, wayne", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Samantha Jacobs (D)", "s": "jacobs, samantha", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Sly Karasinski (R)", "s": "karasinski, sly", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Eileen Kelly (D)", "s": "kelly, eileen", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Erin Kerwin (D)", "s": "kerwin, erin", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Steven Kesselring (R)", "s": "kesselring, steven", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Lee Ann Kluger (D)", "s": "kluger, lee ann", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Lori Korzen (R)", "s": "korzen, lori", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Brian Labrie (R)", "s": "labrie, brian", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. John Larochelle (D)", "s": "larochelle, john", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Patrick Long (D)", "s": "long, patrick", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Darrell Louis (R)", "s": "louis, darrell", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Janet Lucas (D)", "s": "lucas, janet", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Amy Malone (D)", "s": "malone, amy", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Tim Mannion (R)", "s": "mannion, tim", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Sanjeev Manohar (D)", "s": "manohar, sanjeev", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Jay Markell (R)", "s": "markell, jay", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Rita Mattson (R)", "s": "mattson, rita", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Donald McFarlane (R)", "s": "mcfarlane, donald", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Linda McGrath (R)", "s": "mcgrath, linda", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Peter Mehegan (R)", "s": "mehegan, peter", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Julie Miles (R)", "s": "miles, julie", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Seth Miller (D)", "s": "miller, seth", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Laurence Miner (R)", "s": "miner, laurence", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Sheri Minor (R)", "s": "minor, sheri", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Pete Morency (R)", "s": "morency, pete", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Bryan Morse (R)", "s": "morse, bryan", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Mary Murphy (R)", "s": "murphy, mary", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Denis Murphy (R)", "s": "murphy, denis", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Brian Nadeau (R)", "s": "nadeau, brian", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Rich Nalevanko (R)", "s": "nalevanko, rich", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. James Newsom (D)", "s": "newsom, james", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Terri O'Rorke (D)", "s": "o'rorke, terri", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Kathleen Paquette (R)", "s": "paquette, kathleen", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Wayne Pearson (D)", "s": "pearson, wayne", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Raymond Peeples (R)", "s": "peeples, raymond", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Raymond Plante (R)", "s": "plante, raymond", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Adam Presa (R)", "s": "presa, adam", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Sherri Reinfurt (R)", "s": "reinfurt, sherri", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Ellen Rockmore (D)", "s": "rockmore, ellen", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Matt Sabourin dit Choini\u00e8re (R)", "s": "sabourin dit choini\u00e8re, matt", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Santosh Salvi (D)", "s": "salvi, santosh", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Gregory Sargent (D)", "s": "sargent, gregory", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Buzz Scherr (D)", "s": "scherr, buzz", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. John Schneller (R)", "s": "schneller, john", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Donald Selby (R)", "s": "selby, donald", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Jeremy Slottje (R)", "s": "slottje, jeremy", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Jim Snodgrass (D)", "s": "snodgrass, jim", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Carrie Sorensen (D)", "s": "sorensen, carrie", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Terry Spahr (D)", "s": "spahr, terry", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. John Stone (D)", "s": "stone, john", "p": "D", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. John Suiter (R)", "s": "suiter, john", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Dale Swanson (D)", "s": "swanson, dale", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Brian Taylor (R)", "s": "taylor, brian", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. James Thibault (R)", "s": "thibault, james", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Travis Toner (R)", "s": "toner, travis", "p": "R", "v": "Not Voting/Not Excused"}, {"n": "Rep. Alice Wade (D)", "s": "wade, alice", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. Toni Weinstein (D)", "s": "weinstein, toni", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Vicki Wilson (R)", "s": "wilson, vicki", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Billie Butler (D)", "s": "butler, billie", "p": "D", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Rep. Bobbi Boudman (D)", "s": "boudman, bobbi", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Rep. David Preece (D)", "s": "preece, david", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}], "mk": "override_first", "mf": {"Chamber": "House"}, "mrec": "Veto Override"}, {"date": "2026-08-19", "body": "S", "question": "Veto Override", "yeas": 11, "nays": 13, "passed": false, "threshold_note": "Needed 16 \u2014 two thirds of the 24 members voting.", "amendment": null, "threshold_needed": 16, "threshold_rule": "two thirds of the 24 members voting", "tally": {"R": {"Nay": 5, "Yea": 11}, "D": {"Nay": 8}}, "members": [{"n": "Sen. Sharon Carson (R)", "s": "carson, sharon", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Sen. David Watters (D)", "s": "watters, david", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Sen. Kevin Avard (R)", "s": "avard, kevin", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Sen. Regina Birdsell (R)", "s": "birdsell, regina", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Sen. Cindy Rosenwald (D)", "s": "rosenwald, cindy", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Sen. James Gray (R)", "s": "gray, james", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Sen. Ruth Ward (R)", "s": "ward, ruth", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Sen. Bill Gannon (R)", "s": "gannon, bill", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Sen. Daniel Innis (R)", "s": "innis, daniel", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Sen. Suzanne Prentiss (D)", "s": "prentiss, suzanne", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Sen. Denise Ricciardi (R)", "s": "ricciardi, denise", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka (D)", "s": "perkins kwoka, rebecca", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Sen. Timothy Lang (R)", "s": "lang, timothy", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Sen. Donovan Fenton (D)", "s": "fenton, donovan", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Sen. Keith Murphy (R)", "s": "murphy, keith", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Sen. Howard Pearl (R)", "s": "pearl, howard", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Sen. Daryl Abbas (R)", "s": "abbas, daryl", "p": "R", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Sen. Debra Altschiller (D)", "s": "altschiller, debra", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Sen. David Rochefort (R)", "s": "rochefort, david", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Sen. Mark McConkey (R)", "s": "mcconkey, mark", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Sen. Tim McGough (R)", "s": "mcgough, tim", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Sen. Tara Reardon (D)", "s": "reardon, tara", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}, {"n": "Sen. Victoria Sullivan (R)", "s": "sullivan, victoria", "p": "R", "v": "Yea"}, {"n": "Sen. Pat Long (D)", "s": "long, pat", "p": "D", "v": "Nay"}], "mk": "override_second", "mf": {"Chamber": "Senate"}, "mrec": "Veto Override"}], "stations": [{"when": "2026-02-03", "time": "15:00", "what": "public hearing", "committee": "Environment and Agriculture", "body": "H", "venue": "GP 153", "video_id": "eofOvnBu2p0", "watch": null, "predicted": 21679.0, "start": 23705.6, "state": "stated", "tolerance": 5, "short": false, "end": null, "end_stated": false, "end_from": "next boundary", "candidate": null, "start_stated": true, "said_how": "bare number", "end_stated_cluster": false, "testimony": {"date": "2026-02-03", "total": 623, "support": 48, "oppose": 575, "neutral": 0, "dated": true}}, {"when": "2026-02-10", "time": "10:00", "what": "full committee work session", "committee": "Environment and Agriculture", "body": "H", "venue": "GP 153", "video_id": "IuZ30vZcQlc", "watch": null, "predicted": 1879.0, "start": null, "state": "approximate", "tolerance": null, "short": false, "end": 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"end_stated_cluster": false, "reports": [{"committee": "Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee", "heard": "2026-04-02", "opened": "9:54 a.m.", "closed": "11:56 a.m.", "present": "Senators Avard, Pearl, McConkey, Watters and Rosenwald", "absent": "None", "positions": [["Who supports the bill", "24 Individuals signed in Support of the legislation."], ["Who opposes the bill", "14 Individuals signed in Opposition of the legislation."]], "completed": "2026-04-07", "sections": [{"label": "Summary of testimony presented", "side": "all", "speakers": [{"who": "Representatives Barbara Comtois (Belk. 7) and Peters Bixby (Straf. 13)", "points": ["Representatives Barbara Comtois and Peters Bixby introduced the legislation and said this legislation had come from years of work with stakeholders and the department of Agriculture.", "The proposed bill establishes a new subparagraph specifically addressing livestock, in order to better distinguish these animals from other categories covered in existing law.", "The legislation maintains the authority of law enforcement to confiscate animals when there is a determination that an animal\u2019s life is in danger.", "Representative Comtois emphasized that establishing probable cause requires an understanding of the specific species involved, noting that evaluating animals such as cows should be done with species-specific knowledge rather than a generalized approach which is why they included \u201cdesignee\u201d for the State veterinarian. They also included a provision wherein if the subject whose animals are being confiscated do not agree with the State veterinarians decision they can choose another professional at their own expense.", "The sponsors indicated that the proposed revisions they made in the House are relatively minor and are intended to align this bill with other related legislation currently under consideration.", "The sponsors affirmed their position that law enforcement remains the appropriate authority to carry out enforcement of the provisions in the bill. They stated that the bill represents a balanced approach and reflects a compromise on many of the key issues that had been raised during its development.", "Representative Bixby highlighted the inclusion of a new section specifically addressing livestock animals and clarifying how they are to be treated under the law.", "The bill provides that any livestock confiscated by an investigating officer must involve the State Veterinarian, whose participation would help establish probable cause for the confiscation.", "The sponsors expressed that they are comfortable with the proposed amendment changes from Senator Pearl and believe it improves the legislation.", "Representative Comtois stated that, after reviewing the amendment, she agreed that the changes adequately address several of the outstanding concerns that had previously been identified.", "Senator Rosnewald stated the legislation implies that all animals, except livestock, can be seized when there is a danger to their health or life. However, in the section addressing livestock, they can only be seized when there is an imminent danger to their life. She asked why the health of some animals is considered less important than others?", "Representative Comtois explained that animals are generally categorized either as pets or as livestock, livestock typically means animals raised for business purposes or personal consumption. She said that while the health of any animal is important, if a livestock animal\u2019s life is in danger, that is treated as a danger to their health. However, danger is still danger, whether it affects an animal\u2019s health or its life.", "Senator Rosenwald questioned whether, if she owned a horse, it would be considered a companion animal. She expressed confusion about why the legislation protects only the lives of some animals, while protecting both the life and health of others.", "Representative Bixby referred to Section 4a(a), explaining that it reflects current law and longstanding practice. He noted that temporary custody has been used in situations where an owner is not present and animals are perceived to be in danger. In such cases, an arrest cannot be made because the owner is absent, yet the animals may still require intervention. The intent of this provision was to address situations where an owner or manager is not present. However, Rep. Bixby explained that under the cruelty section, a person can be charged with a crime related to the taking of animals, even if they are not present, due to the wording of that section. To address this, due process procedures were added to clarify the chain of custody when charges are filed. He emphasized that the purpose of the bill is to reestablish due process rights that are lost when animals are taken without an arrest.", "Representative Comtois added that, on page 3, line 7, the language regarding protective custody specifies a \u201cclear and imminent danger\u201d to the livestock\u2019s health or life, in response to Rosenwald\u2019s question.", "Senator Watters raised questions about the euthanasia provision, asking whether the language suggests that animals could be euthanized if funding is insufficient, and who would be responsible for covering those costs.", "Representative Comtois explained that Senator Pearl\u2019s amendment was made to address this concern. Under the revised language, euthanasia would only occur if the animal is suffering or if the owner agrees to cover the expense or potentially transferring the animal to adoptee.", "Senator Watters noted that the language still appears to allow for animals to be euthanized if funding runs out.", "Representative Comtois explained that the provision includes a carve-out allowing the owner to cover the costs, or for financial responsibility to be assumed by an adoptee.", "Representative Bixby explained that the decision ultimately rests with the treating veterinarian. He stated that a determination regarding euthanasia is made when an animal is found to be in a state of suffering.", "Senator Watters disagreed, asserting that the language is incorrect and does not adequately reflect the realities in areas with few working equines.", "Representative Bixby continued by elaborating on the statutory language, emphasizing that euthanasia decisions are tied specifically to conditions of suffering.", "Senator Rosenwald raised concerns about the constitutional right to due process, cautioning against allowing these cases to \u201cjump the line\u201d ahead of others in the court system. She noted concerns about the right to a speedy trial, particularly given that courts are closed to jury trials for several weeks each year. She questioned whether it is appropriate for animal-related cases to be prioritized over criminal cases involving human defendants.", "Representative Comtois responded that these cases involve animals that may be neglected or harmed, and therefore should not be allowed to drag on longer than necessary, emphasizing the need for timely intervention."]}, {"who": "Commissioner Shawn Jasper, Department of Agriculture", "points": ["Commissioner Jasper raised concerns about the language of the bill, emphasizing that it specifically pertains to livestock. He noted that an important provision, \u201cunless the owner does not pay for care\u201d, had not been addressed. He stated that while the cost-of-care fund is not expected to run out of money, limits have been established through administrative rules.", "He expressed concern that if an owner refuses to pay for care, the state veterinarian could effectively become the \u201cjudge, jury, and executor,\u201d which he argued is not fair. In such cases, financial responsibility may shift to the municipality or town. He added that if the cost of care exceeds the animal\u2019s value and the animal is suffering, euthanasia may be carried out.", "Senator Pearl responded that his amendment includes an option for adoption if the owner declines to pay for care, and he asked whether the Commissioner had reviewed his amendment or had any thoughts on it.", "Commissioner Jasper expressed concern about situations in which an animal is in a state of suffering but must wait for adoption. He suggested that there should be a defined time limit for such cases to prevent unnecessary delay.", "Senator Rosenwald asked why the department was unable to provide a fiscal note on the bill.", "Commissioner Jasper responded that he could not give a definitive answer, suggesting that the issue may have gone under the radar. He explained that the department had begun working on it but did not complete it in time, and he apologized for not providing it to the committee sooner.", "Senator Watters also asked about Senator Pearl\u2019s amendment regarding suffering. He noted that Representative Bixby had referred to \u201cextreme suffering,\u201d but he did not see that language reflected in the bill. He also recalled the Commissioner using the phrase \u201ccannot be alleviated,\u201d which likewise does not appear in the text. Watters emphasized that if such standards are intended, they should be explicitly included in the legislation.", "Commissioner Jasper said he was \u201ccringing\u201d when Representative Bixby mentioned \u201cextreme suffering,\u201d because that language is not in the bill. He emphasized that when an animal is suffering, the suffering should be alleviated, regardless of severity. It is not about \u201cextreme\u201d suffering, any suffering matters. He stressed that no animal should have to suffer and no veterinarian should be forced to decide whether suffering is extreme.", "Senator Watters followed up by asking there is a sufficient definition in the statute for \u201csuffering.\u201d", "Commissioner Jasper responded that determining suffering should be left to the medical judgment of the veterinarian."]}, {"who": "Kurt Ehrenburg, Humane World", "points": ["He spoke in opposition to the legislation, stating that it adds barriers to effectively supporting animal welfare. He argued that it could delay timely intervention and exclude key stakeholders from the process.", "He raised concerns that the bill could lead to unnecessary euthanasia and eliminate life-saving options. He noted that removing humane societies from the process would also eliminate access to resources such as free veterinary care, supplies, and transportation.", "He questioned how the state would offset these costs if they are no longer covered, particularly beyond euthanasia-related expenses. He criticized the proposed $5,000 cost threshold as arbitrary, suggesting it could result in animals being euthanized prematurely.", "He emphasized that under existing law, livestock seizures involve veterinary oversight, and that citizen reports are common due to the prevalence of livestock.", "He stated that expert intervention supports both animal welfare and fair enforcement, and argued that weakening these tools does not improve due process but instead strains public resources. He stated that the bill lacks clear direction.", "Senator Watters noted that they serve on the commission together and asked if it would be fair to say that the commission works hard on training for police departments that do not have dedicated animal control officers.", "Mr. Ehrenbrug agreed, saying that it is true. He noted that the state has come a long way in discussing the need for more training and expanded animal control. He added that many towns still do not have credentialed animal control officers. He echoed the need for a humane society to help and be involved in these cases.", "Senator Watters asked another question regarding custody, noting that the bill could disrupt a cooperative system that has provided expertise to local departments.", "Mr. Ehrenbrug agreed, stating that such disruption would be a huge disservice both to the community and to the animals.", "Senator Watters asked about the role of the state veterinarian or their designee, noting that the state vet has historically been reluctant to be on call because of the capacity.", "Mr. Ehrenburg responded that he would defer to the state veterinarian to answer that question."]}, {"who": "Michelle Murch, NHSPCA Equine Manager", "points": ["Ms. Murch said the NHSPCA expressed strong opposition to the bill. She also claimed that their organization holds a livestock license as a licensed humane society, so they should be included in the process. She is also an investigator for the human Society despite many who say that is not defined in law.", "She noted that the legislation removes them from their role in the process and prevents them from participating in investigations. This restriction also affects other humane organizations that are \u201cnon-government\u201d agencies.", "She spoke about her experience investigating cases involving livestock, describing the often-gruesome situations she has encountered. She emphasized that the State Veterinarian cannot intervene in every case and it is important for humane organization to be involved.", "She questioned who would guide officers who have never handled livestock cases, noting that the bill removes trained personnel from assisting local enforcement agencies. She added that most situations they encounter involve backyard farmers rather than commercial operations.", "Senator Watters asked about the designee issue and both the amendment and the original bill, it says the state veterinarian or designee. Is it understood that the designee could be a humane society.", "Ms. Murch she could serve as a designee and had been told that. However, she questioned why she would be chosen if she is not a licensed veterinarian. She emphasized that licensed veterinarians are trained to assess all types of animals and can determine whether an animal is in danger. She also asked who would be responsible for maintaining the ongoing list of designees.", "Senator Watters noted that the amendment specifies on line 24 that action may be taken when the owner or caretaker is not present, and he asked for her opinion on that clarification.", "Ms. Murch responded that animals can be seized if they are suffering. Under current law, animals may also be seized with a warrant, so in her view, they would be seized either way.", "Senator Watters then asked about current practices and requested that she elaborate on the distinction being made. He explained that farmers are generally taking good care of their animals, and that the discussion is instead focused on individuals who keep what he referred to as \u201ccompanion livestock\u201d animals.", "Ms. Murch said she may have been called 4 times in the past five years to commercial farms and the claims were unfounded.", "Senator Watters stated that by exempting livestock, many cases she would previously have been involved in would no longer include her, as those animals would now be grouped under the livestock category. He asked for her opinion on that effect.", "Ms. Murch explained that they always work with law enforcement, but law enforcement does not always have the capacity to conduct the initial investigation. In those situations, humane societies are typically called in. Under the proposed change, she said, that would no longer be possible. Instead, law enforcement would be required to respond, potentially encountering animals without having the expertise to determine whether they are in distress. She added that this shift would place a greater burden on law enforcement and remove the involvement of trained professionals with the necessary expertise to properly assess animal welfare.", "Senator Pearl clarified that the designee role and the current process would remain in place. As he interprets the bill, that is the intent. Law enforcement would still be able to contact a humane organization if the state veterinarian is unavailable.", "Ms. Murch asked whether that provision appears in the original bill or in the amendment, noting that the original bill specified a \u201cnon-governmental\u201d employee. She said that no non-governmental employee can participate in any part of the investigation. She said it is on Page 3, line 31 of the bill.", "Senator Watters suggested that the language could be revised to specify who may be designated, including a \u201cduly licensed humane society\u201d, as a way to allow such organizations to serve as designees.", "Ms. Murch responded that humane societies had already been removed from that section.", "Senator Rosenwald asked about the issue of mandatory euthanasia. She stated that while veterinarians are qualified to diagnose and treat animals, she does not believe they are qualified to interpret state agency rules related to cost. She noted that, as written, the legislation requires veterinarians to determine both whether an animal is suffering and whether the cost of treatment exceeds the amount allowed under Rule 3504.01. She asked whether this places a burden on veterinarians that goes beyond their education, training, and experience.", "Ms. Murch agreed that it could but said that it should not be for them to decide. She added that it should be the Police say \u201cthis is the dollar amount that you have to spend\u201d which would be unfortunate. She was unsure how it would ultimately be addressed.", "Senator Rosenwald asked whether the process should be revised so that veterinarians are not responsible for both determinations; One within their professional competence and another outside their education, training, experience, and licensure.", "Ms. Murch agreed and responded that additional language is needed to clearly define how that determination would be made."]}, {"who": "Patricia Morris", "points": ["She stated that she is opposed to the bill as written.", "She noted that the commission has been making significant progress and questioned what the state could be doing better, suggesting that the bill, as drafted, is patchwork and not where it needs to be.", "She expressed concern that shifting responsibility to the state veterinarian adds another hurdle to the process, particularly requiring a veterinarian or designee in order to seize animals.", "She suggested that adoption or voluntary surrender may be better approaches in some cases.", "Regarding the amendment, she raised concerns about the 7\u201310 day timeline to bring charges, arguing that charges should be filed as appropriate without being constrained by a strict timeline. She added that investigations should not be subject to a fixed timeframe.", "She also discussed concerns about the designee role, noting the potential for bias."]}, {"who": "Henry Ahern, Plymouth", "points": ["He noted that he raises deer and expressed support for the bill.", "He emphasized the importance of having a qualified designee or veterinarian involved in the process, ideally one who is familiar with the animals and understands the differences between species.", "He raised concerns about prior legislation, suggesting that some nonprofit or humane societies may benefit financially from confiscations, and said this should be taken into consideration. He underscored the impact on farmers\u2019 livelihoods."]}, {"who": "Lisa Dennison, President of NHSPCA", "points": ["She spoke in opposition to the legislation.", "She stated that she has already assisted 36 towns this year with animal confiscations, emphasizing that these efforts result in financial losses rather than serving as fundraising opportunities.", "She argued that the bill ignores the realities of how animal welfare cases are handled. Law enforcement, she said, relies heavily on nonprofit organizations, and the removal of humane agencies would be detrimental.", "She noted that these organizations regularly provide training and assistance, and that their removal would mean a loss of critical expertise.", "She added that most cases take approximately 18 months to reach resolution.", "She emphasized that these are critical components of the system, warning that without the expertise and involvement of nonprofit humane organizations, animals will suffer and may die.", "Senator Watters asked for her opinion on confiscation under the bill and whether it would be advisable to amend lines 30\u201331 to explicitly include \u201cor duly licensed humane society\u201d in the process.", "Ms. Dennison responded that such language should be added to the bill, noting that humane societies play an important assisting role.", "Senator Watters also asked whether rabbits would be considered livestock under the bill.", "Ms. Dennison confirmed that, as written, the bill classifies rabbits as livestock."]}, {"who": "Joyce Brady, NH Farm Bureau President", "points": ["She emphasized that significant effort has gone into this issue, with the goal of improving and clarifying the process of whom has the authority to make the determinations.", "She stated that the intent is not to remove resources, but to ensure proper authority and clear leadership at the top of investigations.", "She noted that the term \u201cdesignee\u201d is broad and they are aware that if case is called in northern Coos County, the State vet may not get there, but a designee can. It is up to the State Vet to use resources.", "Senator Watters asked whether, based on her testimony, the designee could include a duly licensed humane society representative.", "Ms. Brady responded that a designee is anyone the state veterinarian deems appropriate. She added that creating a \u201claundry list\u201d of potential designees would add unnecessary verbiage and complicate the bill. She said keeping it as simply \u201cdesignee\u201d leaves the decision to the state veterinarian."]}, {"who": "Donna Lee-Woods, Hickory Nut Farm", "points": ["She spoke about her farm, recounting an incident in which a person entered her property while she was not home. The NHSPCA subsequently came and confiscated her animals.", "She stated that because of the NHSPCA visit, they and the Lee Police came and seized her animals and said if she didn\u2019t sign a waiver, they would arrest her. She said she was in complete shock.", "She stated that they took some of her animal\u2019s others she was told need to be euthanized. killed. She provided a packet documenting the alleged cruelty of her animals.", "She noted that 54 goats were taken, and 22 of them were killed by the NHSPCA despite all the goats being taken care of daily and in good health. She said they offered them back to her at a price of $40,000.", "Senator Watters asked if there were any ongoing legal proceedings.", "Ms. Lee-Woods confirmed that there are and that she is actively working on filing a case."]}, {"who": "Robert Johnson, NH Farm Bureau", "points": ["He expressed support for both the bill and the amendment Senator Pearl brought forward.", "He noted that two sections of the bill, on page 3, remove the authority of humane society officers, emphasizing that because this falls under the criminal code, the seizure of an animal should be carried out by a law enforcement officer.", "He explained that the state veterinarian, or a designated representative, should serve as the primary authority or the \u201cgatekeeper\u201d. If the state veterinarian is unavailable, a licensed veterinarian or qualified staff member or individual with appropriate expertise could make the determination if deemed the \u201cdesignee\u201d by the State Vet.", "He recommended several changes to clarify these provisions because it was not the intent to exclude anyone.", "Senator Watters asked what changes to the language he would recommend and where they should be added.", "Mr. Johnson suggested inserting additional language after the phrase \u201cthe veterinarian, or designee, or an employee of a government agency.\u201d He recommended adding wording such as \u201cand/or any individual authorized by the previous list\u201d or similar language to that effect.", "Senator Avard asked about the previous testimony and how his bill would help a situation such as that one.", "Mr. Johnson stated that he was familiar with the previous situation and knew when it occurred. He said he had heard from multiple specialists who had been working with the individual involved, and that they were not consulted at the time of the incident. He added that the state veterinarian was also not consulted. He noted that a member of the bureau had been on-site but was ignored, and emphasized that the expertise and \u201cgatekeeping\u201d role of the state veterinarian is extremely important.", "Senator Avard then referenced the issue of euthanasia, noting that a significant number of animals were euthanized in the previous speaker\u2019s testimony, despite others emphasizing the need to protect animals against euthanasia."]}, {"who": "Charles Cox, Local Farmer", "points": ["He spoke about his background and experience with the situation, expressing concern about intimidation and the uncertainty caused by people entering properties and threatening livelihoods.", "He noted that while the bill has been thoughtfully developed and may still need a few adjustments, it should ultimately be implemented for the greater good."]}, {"who": "Chief Suckling, Alexandria", "points": ["He said that he has been working on this issue for years with all the legislators and stakeholders.", "He emphasized that a single incident is not representative of overall operations. He noted that the SPCA has been very helpful in addressing related concerns to his department.", "He said he worked with Senator Pearl to get the amendment together and it seemed that all the stakeholders were in agreement on the language.", "Senator Watters asked about the designee provision and whether it would include a law enforcement officer or a licensed humane society representative, and whether that is how it should be interpreted.", "The Chief responded that this is how he interprets it, but noted that he would defer to the commissioner to address that concern."]}, {"who": "Commissioner Jasper, Department of Agriculture", "points": ["Commissioner Jasper stated that the Department of Agriculture does not license humane societies and said he does not understand why so many Humane organizations refer to themselves that way.", "Senator Watters asked why that language appears in statute, noting that it is clearly included.", {"t": "Commissioner Jasper responded that he does not know why it is in the statute, explaining that it was put in place decades ago and does not have a current, meaningful function and suggest it be taken out of statute.", "sub": ["He stated that the department issues specific licenses, clarifying that humane societies are not among the entities they license, only as pet vendors.", "He spoke about the situation involving Hickory Nut Farm and Donna Lee-Woods, describing it as an upsetting incident. He said that, in his view, the animals were not in danger at the farm but were placed in that situation by the humane society.", "He referenced potential legal recourse when animals are seized without an arrest and described his conversations with police, noting that it was unfamiliar territory for them in that situation.", "He discussed the surrender of animals, emphasizing that livestock are not the same as lifelong companion pets. It is difficult for the Law enforcement and State Veterinarians to distinguish between the two.", "He clarified that the intent is not to remove humane societies entirely from the process, but rather to exclude them from investigations that are legal in nature and, in his view, not appropriate for their involvement.", "He said that if a humane organization is receiving animals from a situation , they should not be a part of the decision process. He added that not all individuals affiliated with humane societies are qualified to make such determinations.", "He also stated that in the Lee case, his staff were ignored because the police department relied on the humane organization rather than the designee of the state veterinarian."]}, "Senator Pearl noted that in the amendment, he included language requiring adoption to be approved by the owner, which he believed was essentially equivalent to a \u201csurrender,\u201d and asked whether he agreed.", {"t": "Commissioner Jasper added that adoption typically involves a longer process, whereas surrender can be decided more quickly.", "sub": ["He continued and said that there is already a legal process in place and that they assist law enforcement whenever the police deem it necessary. When an arrest is made and an animal is seized, they are involved as part of that process. However, they believe their involvement should also be clearly established in cases where an animal is seized without an arrest, and they support adding language to confirm that.", "He referred to an issue raised at the Humane Commission regarding concerns that an individual who merely makes or relays a phone call to the police could be considered part of an investigation. He asked the committee to include clarifying language to address this point.", "He also raised the concern about potential scare tactic, questioning whether humane organizations are seeking a role in the decision-making process and whether that involvement is appropriate. He raised the issue of whether, in cases of neglect, such organizations might decline to take in animals if they were not involved in the investigatory process.", "He referenced a recent situation in which a humane society charged $18,000 in veterinary fees over a six-hour period for animals that had been confiscated. He added that the humane society would not release the animals until the $18,000 veterinary bill was paid. Because no arrest had been made, there was no legal case, and the police had no authority over the organization\u2019s actions, highlighting a potential issue with the excessive charges and control over the animals."]}, "Senator Watters asked whether the animals in Lee had been confiscated under the authority of the Lee Police.", "Commissioner Jasper clarified that they were under the authority of Police but were taken by the Humane Society.", "Senator Watters then inquired about the provision in the bill that eliminates the state veterinarian position when the commissioner is gone, and whether everyone was comfortable with that provision.", "Commissioner Jasper responded that it would not be an issue because he now has an assistant commissioner.", "Senator Watters asked about the fiscal note, noting that he believed it was $200,000, particularly related to the increased responsibilities of the veterinarian. He asked for confirmation that these are the issues the committee would see reflected in the fiscal note.", "Commissioner Jasper said yes, and added that if his amendment is adopted, they\u2019ve been threatened that every time there is a complaint, they will get a call, even if there was no confiscation. He said that if notifications are limited only to cases where there is a confiscation, they do not believe there will be any fiscal impact.", "Senator Rosenwald asked about current law regarding the requirement that courts give cases of livestock confiscation priority on the court calendar within 14 days. She noted that it had been described as current law, but also appears as a new paragraph in the bill, and asked for clarification.", "Commissioner Jasper said he could not speak to that specifically. He did recall the language giving such cases priority, but did not have an opinion on it and understood the reasoning behind it.", "Senator Rosenwald said she would like to hear from the judicial branch regarding what impact this might have on the system."]}]}]}]}, {"when": "2026-04-16", "time": null, "what": "floor debate", "committee": "Senate", "venue": null, "video_id": "Pa_qxMZlvQ0", "watch": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa_qxMZlvQ0&t=0s", "predicted": null, "start": null, "debate_end": null, "window_start": null, "motions": ["Special Order to the Next Session, Without Objection"], "tallies": [], "state": "floor_dated", "candidate": null}, {"when": "2026-04-23", "time": null, "what": "floor debate", "committee": "Senate", "venue": null, "video_id": "u-VQqYC9-HI", "watch": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-VQqYC9-HI&t=0s", "predicted": null, "start": 3317.8, "debate_end": 4002.4, "window_start": null, "motions": ["Laid on Table"], "tallies": [], "state": "floor_stated", "candidate": null, "debate_start": 3317.8, "start_stated": true, "said_how": "number"}, {"when": "2026-05-07", "time": null, "what": "floor debate", "committee": "House", "venue": null, "video_id": "n7W5L0CAVE4", "watch": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7W5L0CAVE4&t=0s", "predicted": null, "start": null, "debate_end": null, "window_start": null, "motions": ["House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1432s"], "tallies": [], "state": "floor_dated", "candidate": null}, {"when": "2026-08-19", "time": null, "what": "floor debate", "committee": "Senate", "venue": null, "video_id": "1hx2EXNENh0", "watch": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hx2EXNENh0&t=0s", "predicted": null, "start": null, "debate_end": null, "window_start": null, "motions": ["VETO MESSAGE - Roll Call Required"], "tallies": ["11-13"], "state": "floor_dated", "candidate": null}, {"when": "2026-08-19", "time": null, "what": "floor debate", "committee": "House", "venue": null, "video_id": "waDXsnFGDgc", "watch": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waDXsnFGDgc&t=16594s", "predicted": null, "start": 16654.0, "debate_end": 17657.0, "window_start": 16654.0, "motions": ["Veto Override"], "tallies": ["249-56"], "state": "floor_precise", "candidate": null}], "reports": [{"bill": "HB1766", "title": "relative to cruelty to livestock", "majority_recommendation": "OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT", "minority_recommendation": null, "reports": [{"side": "Committee", "author": "Rep. Barbara Comtois", "committee": "Environment and Agriculture", "vote_yeas": 12, "vote_nays": 1, "text": "The legislation adds a new section to RSA 644:8 that specifically addresses cruelty to livestock. Under current law, all animals are treated the same; however, livestock animals are fundamentally different from household pets such as dogs and cats. The care, management, and medical treatment of large animals involve specialized knowledge and practices that many individuals outside the agricultural and veterinary communities may not fully understand. As a result, decisions affecting livestock welfare can sometimes be, and has been, made without appropriate expertise. This bill addresses that concern by ensuring that individuals with species-specific knowledge, such as the state veterinarian or a qualified designee, are involved in the decision-making process regarding reports of animal cruelty or neglect. Our committee believes this safeguard is critically important. It also ensures that if a person is not charged within seven days, the animals must be returned to the owner. The bill also clarifies that only law enforcement or a municipal animal officer may take the livestock into protective custody when the owner or caretaker is not present. In addition, when livestock is taken into protective custody, the law enforcement officer must provide written notice to the owner or caretaker detailing the date and time of the seizure, the number of animals taken, the reason for the action, and the procedure for regaining custody. These provisions ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness. Together, these measures strengthen due process protections with regard to livestock cruelty/neglect complaints while ensuring that livestock welfare decisions are informed by appropriate expertise. Due process is the foundation of our legal system, and this bill upholds that principle."}], "source": "House Calendar 10, 2026", "date": "2026-03-03", "dated": "signed", "cite": "HC 10", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/house/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=calendars%5C2026%5CNo10%20March%206%202026.pdf"}, {"bill": "HB1766", "body": "S", "title": "", "source": "Senate committee report, released 2026-04-13", "date": "2026-04-23", "dated": "signed", "calendar": "Consent Calendar", "majority_recommendation": "OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT", "minority_recommendation": "", "reports": [{"side": "Committee", "author": "Senator Howard Pearl", "committee": "Energy and Natural Resources", "vote_yeas": 5, "vote_nays": 0, "amendment": "2026-1432s", "text": "House bill 1766 establishes a process and procedures for the confiscation of livestock that are involved in cruelty cases. The committee amendment makes technical changes and ensures that animals are given second chances for adoption and that authority is clear during the investigation and confiscation process."}], "cite": "SC 15", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=Calendars%5C2026%5CNo%2015%20April%2016%202026.pdf"}], "docket_reports": [{"date": "2026-04-23", "dated": "signed", "body": "S", "committee": "Energy and Natural Resources", "side": "", "recommendation": "OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT", "vote_yeas": 5, "vote_nays": 0, "amendment": "2026-1432s", "new_title": false, "cite": "SC 15", "cite_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=Calendars%5C2026%5CNo%2015%20April%2016%202026.pdf"}], "report_actions": [], "veto_message": {"bill": "HB1766", "text": ["It's important that we protect livestock owners' due process rights and ensure fair treatment under the law. However, HB 1766 would hinder the ability of local law enforcement, veterinarians, and animal welfare professionals to respond to cases involving neglect and abuse of animals. By centralizing power with the State, this bill would increase the size of state government, cost taxpayers more money, increase animals' pain and suffering, and lead to forced euthanasia of abused but otherwise healthy animals."], "governor": "Kelly A. Ayotte, Governor", "date": "2026-06-19", "source": {"calendar": "HC026", "year": "2026", "name": "HC 26", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/house/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=calendars%5C2026%5CNo26%20July%2001%202026.pdf"}}, "bill_note": null, "subject": "Animals", "subject_source": "general court", "house_committee": "Environment and Agriculture", "senate_committee": "Energy and Natural Resources", "lsr": "2026-2839", "docket_url": "https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=2839&sy=2026&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=hb1766&sortoption=billnumber", "documents": [{"label": "Bill text", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?id=2048&txtFormat=html&sy=2026", "kind": "text"}, {"label": "Bill status page", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/Bill_status.aspx?lsr=2839&sy=2026&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=hb1766&sortoption=billnumber", "kind": "status"}, {"label": "Docket", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=2839&sy=2026&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=hb1766&sortoption=billnumber", "kind": "docket"}, {"label": "HJ 1, page 35", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/house/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=journals%5C2026%5CHJ%2001%20January%207%2C%202026.pdf", "kind": "record"}, {"label": "HC 10, page 17", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/house/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=calendars%5C2026%5CNo10%20March%206%202026.pdf", "kind": "record"}, {"label": "HJ 7, page 36", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/house/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=journals%5C2026%5CHJ%2007%20March%2011%2C%202026.pdf", "kind": "record"}, {"label": "SJ 7", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/Journals/2026/SJ%2007%20March%2026%2C%202026.PDF", "kind": "record"}, {"label": "SC 12", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=Calendars%5C2026%5CNo%2012%20March%2026%202026.pdf", "kind": "record"}, {"label": "SJ 9", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/Journals/2026/SJ%2009%20April%2016%2C%202026.PDF", "kind": "record"}, {"label": "SC 15", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=Calendars%5C2026%5CNo%2015%20April%2016%202026.pdf", "kind": "record"}, {"label": "SJ 10", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/Journals/2026/SJ%2010%20April%2023%2C%202026.PDF", "kind": "record"}, {"label": "HJ 12, page 4", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/house/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=journals%5C2026%5CHJ%2012%20May%207%2C%202026.pdf", "kind": "record"}, {"label": "SJ 14", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/Journals/2026/SJ%2014%20June%204%2C%202026.PDF", "kind": "record"}, {"label": "HJ 14, page 40", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/house/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=journals%5C2026%5CHJ%2014%20May%2021%2C%202026.pdf", "kind": "record"}, {"label": "HJ 15, page 43", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/house/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=journals%5C2026%5CHJ%2015%20June%204%2C%202026.pdf", "kind": "record"}, {"label": "HJ 16, page 54", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/house/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=journals%5C2026%5CHJ%2016%20August%2019%2C%202026.pdf", "kind": "record"}, {"label": "SJ 15", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/senate/calendars_journals/Journals/2026/SJ%2015.pdf", "kind": "record"}], "amendments": [{"num": "2026-0985h", "kind": "Committee Amendment", "where": "committee", "date": "2026-03-11", "body": "H", "adopted": true, "vote_kind": "VV", "mover": "", "proposed_by": "the Committee on Environment and Agriculture", "text": "Amend the bill by replacing all after the enacting clause with the following: 1 Cruelty to Animals. Amend RSA 644:8, IV(a)(1) to read as follows: IV.(a)(1) Any person charged with animal cruelty under paragraphs III or III-a may have his or her animals, except for livestock, confiscated by the arresting officer. The confiscation of livestock shall be governed by paragraph IV-b. 2 Cruelty to Animals. Amend RSA 644:8, IV-a(a) to read as follows: IV-a.(a) Except as provided in subparagraphs (b) and (c) any appropriate law enforcement officer, animal control officer, or officer of a duly licensed humane society may take into temporary protective custody any animal, except for livestock, which shall be governed by paragraph IV-b, when there is probable cause to believe that it has been or is being abused or neglected in violation of paragraphs III or III-a when there is a clear and imminent danger to the animal's health or life and there is not sufficient time to obtain a court order. Such officer shall leave a written notice indicating the type and number of animals taken into protec- tive custody, the name of the officer, the time and date taken, the reason it was taken, the procedure to have the animal returned and any other relevant information. Such notice shall be left at the location where the animal was taken into custody. The officer shall provide for proper care and housing of any animal taken into protective custody under this paragraph. If, after 7 days, the animal has not been returned or claimed, the officer shall petition the municipal or district court seeking either permanent custody or a one-week extension of custody or shall file charges under this section. If a week's extension is granted by the court and after a period of 14 days the animal remains unclaimed, the title and custody of the animal shall rest with the officer on behalf of the officer's department or society. The department or society may dispose of the animal in any lawful and humane manner as if it were the rightful owner. If after 14 days the officer or the officer's department determines that charges should be filed under this section, the officer shall petition the court. 3 New Paragraphs; Cruelty to Animals; Livestock. Amend RSA 644:8 by inserting after paragraph IV-a the following new paragraphs: IV-b.(a) Any person charged with cruelty to animals under RSA 644:8 paragraphs III or III-a concerning livestock may have his or her livestock confiscated by the arresting officer. No animal shall be confiscated unless a person is charged under this section, except when there is probable cause to believe the livestock's life is in imminent danger. The investigating officer for a case involving livestock as defined in RSA 427:38, III shall be accompanied by the state veterinarian or designee in person or by video who shall determine whether there is probable cause to believe that the livestock should be confiscated. Any person not charged within 7 days of having their livestock confiscated shall have them returned. (b) A person charged under this section may petition the court to seek an examination of the livestock by a veterinarian licensed under RSA 332-B of his or her choice at the expense of the person charged. The person charged shall be made aware of such right in writing by the arresting officer. (c) Courts shall give cases in which livestock have been confiscated by an arresting officer priority on the court calendar. In cases in which livestock have been confiscated by an arresting officer or his or her agency, a status hearing shall be held by the court within 14 days of the confiscation of the livestock. (d) Any person with proof of sole ownership or co-ownership of the livestock confiscated by an arresting officer in a livestock cruelty case and who is not a defendant or party of interest in the criminal case may petition the court for temporary custody of the livestock. The court shall give such person priority for temporary custody of the livestock if the court determines it is in the best interest of the livestock's health, safety, and wellbeing. (e) No custodian of the livestock confiscated under this section shall spay or neuter or otherwise permanently alter the confiscated livestock in his or her custody pending final disposition of the court case unless a treating veterinarian deems such procedure necessary to save the life of the livestock or the owner of the livestock agrees in writing to the procedure or treatment. If the treating veterinarian believes that livestock which has been confiscated is in a state of suffering and that the cost to alleviate the suffering will exceed the amount of allowable reimbursement as set by Agr 3504.01(c)(8), unless the owner pays for the care, the animal shall be euthanized. (f) Upon a person's conviction of cruelty to animals regarding livestock, the court shall dispose of the confiscated livestock in any manner it decides except in a case in which the confiscated livestock is owned or co-owned by persons other than the defendant. If the defendant does not have an ownership interest in the confiscated livestock, the court shall give priority to restoring full ownership rights to any person with proof of ownership if the court determines that such is in the best interest of the livestock's health, safety, and wellbeing. If the confiscated livestock is co-owned by the defendant, the court shall give priority to transferring the defendant's interest in the property to the remaining owner or co-owners equitably if the court determines that such is in the best interest of the livestock's health, safety, and wellbeing. (g) The costs to provide the confiscated livestock with humane care and adequate and necessary veterinary services, if any, incurred in boarding and treating the livestock, pending disposition of the case, and in disposing of the livestock upon a conviction of said person for cruelty to animals regarding livestock, shall be borne by the person so convicted in accordance with rules adopted by the department of agriculture, markets, and food. (h) Any donations raised using the stories or likenesses of the animals in protective custody shall be used to offset the cost of care of such animals. IV-c.(a) Except as provided in RSA 644:8, IV(b), any appropriate law enforcement officer or municipal animal control officer may take into temporary protective custody any livestock when the owner or caretaker is not present and there is probable cause to believe that it has been or is being abused or neglected in violation of paragraphs III or III-a when there is a clear and imminent danger to the livestock's health or life and there is not sufficient time to obtain a court order. Such officer shall leave a written notice indicating the type and number of livestock taken into protective custody, the name of the officer, the time and date taken, the reason it was taken, the procedure to have the livestock returned and any other relevant information. Such notice shall be left at the location where the livestock was taken into custody. The officer shall provide for proper care and housing of any livestock taken into protective custody under this paragraph. Unless charges have been filed or a warrant establishing probable cause has been issued, the livestock shall be returned to the owner or their designee or caretaker upon request. If, after 7 days, the livestock has not been returned or claimed, the officer shall petition the municipal or district court seeking either permanent custody or a one-week extension of custody or shall file charges under this section. If a week's extension is granted by the court and after a period of 14 days the livestock remains unclaimed, the title and custody of the livestock shall rest with the officer on behalf of the officer's department. The department may dispose of the livestock in any lawful and humane manner as if it were the rightful owner. If after 14 days the officer or the officer's department determines that charges should be filed under this section, the officer shall petition the court. An owner of livestock taken into protective custody shall have the right as referenced in subparagraph IV(b). (b) For purposes of subparagraph (a) the investigating officer for livestock, as defined RSA 427:38, III, shall be accompanied by the state veterinarian or their designee in person or by video who shall set the probable cause criteria for taking the livestock. (c) In cases where one or more lactating livestock is confiscated, proof shall be provided by the con-fiscating party to the attending veterinarian and the owner or caretaker that proper care and facilities shall be provided for adults and offspring. No lactating livestock shall be separated from its non-weaned offspring unless such separation is authorized by a licensed veterinarian. (d) No person, other than the state veterinarian or their designee, or an employee of a government agency with jurisdiction to investigate violations of this section, and which is conducting an investigation under this section, may take part during any investigation into a complaint conducted pursuant to this section. No person who may be called upon to take custody of any livestock seized as a result of a complaint under this section may participate in the decision to seize any livestock. (e) In order to protect the integrity of complaint investigations an appropriate law enforcement officer shall require any person or their designated agent called upon to take custody of any livestock seized or to assist during any complaint investigation, to sign a binding nondisclosure agreement intended to protect any shared or confidential information against unauthorized use pending final adjudication or dismissal of such complaint; provided that information may be disclosed only to officials with a need to know who are subject to confidentiality obligations. (f) No custodian of livestock in temporary protective custody under this section shall spay or neuter or otherwise permanently alter the confiscated livestock in his or her custody pending final disposition of the court case unless a treating veterinarian deems such procedure necessary to save the life of the livestock or the owner of the livestock agrees in writing to the procedure or treatment. If the treating veterinarian believes that livestock which has been confiscated is in a state of suffering and that the cost to alleviate the suffering will exceed the amount of allowable reimbursement as set by Agr 3504.01(c)(8) unless the owner pays for the care, the animal shall be euthanized. 4 Veterinarian Assistant. Amend RSA 644:8, V to read as follows: V. A veterinarian licensed to practice in the state and the state veterinarian or their designee shall be held harmless from either criminal or civil liability for any decisions made for services rendered under the provisions of this section or RSA 435:11-16. Such a veterinarian or designee is, therefore, under this paragraph, protected from a lawsuit for his or her part in an investigation of cruelty to animals. 5 State Veterinarian; Powers. Amend RSA 436:8 to read as follows: 436:8 Powers. The state veterinarian, under the direction of the commissioner, shall have all of the powers of the commissioner and shall have general charge of the enforcement of this chapter. Complaints under RSA 644:8, 644:8-a, 644:8-aa and any other law pertaining to the abuse of domestic animals, as defined under RSA 436:1, shall initially be filed with the local law enforcement agency, animal control officer, state police, or sheriff which has jurisdiction over where the animal is located or kept. At the request of the local law enforcement agency, animal control officer, state police, or sheriff, the state veterinarian shall assist in a secondary capacity in enforcing the provisions of and investigating said complaints. [In the event the commissioner becomes incapacitated or a vacancy occurs in the office, the state veterinarian shall perform all the duties of that office during any such incapacity or until any such vacancy is filled. The commissioner may direct the state veterinarian to act for him or her in an official capacity whenever he or she may be absent from his or her duties.] 6 Repeal. RSA 644:8, IV-a(b), relative to livestock confiscation, is repealed. 7 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2027. 2026-0985h AMENDED ANALYSIS This bill provides procedures for the potential confiscation of livestock involved in cruelty to animal cases.", "source": "HC010.pdf", "targets": ["the whole bill"], "supersedes": []}, {"num": "2026-1432s", "kind": "Committee Amendment", "where": "committee", "date": "2026-04-23", "body": "S", "adopted": true, "vote_kind": "VV", "mover": "", "proposed_by": "", "text": "", "source": "", "targets": [], "supersedes": []}, {"num": "2026-2129e", "kind": "Enrolled Bill Amendment", "where": "enrolment", "date": "2026-05-21", "body": "S", "adopted": true, "vote_kind": "VV", "mover": "", "proposed_by": "", "text": "", "source": "", "targets": [], "supersedes": []}], "billtext": {"version": "FINAL VERSION", "title": "AN ACT relative to cruelty to livestock.", "analysis": "This bill provides procedures for the potential confiscation of livestock involved in cruelty to animal cases.", "fiscal": {"lead": "", "tables": [{"caption": "", "raw": ["The Office of Legislative Budget Assistant states this bill has no fiscal impact on state, county", "and local expenditures or revenue."]}]}, "body": "11Mar2026... 0985h\n04/23/2026 1432s\n21May2026... 2129EBA 26-2839\n08/09\nBe it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:\n1 Cruelty to Animals. Amend RSA 644:8, IV(a)(1) to read as follows:\nIV.(a)(1) Any person charged with animal cruelty under paragraphs III or III-a may have his or her animals , except for livestock, confiscated by the arresting officer. The confiscation of livestock shall be governed by paragraph IV-b.\n2 Cruelty to Animals. Amend RSA 644:8, IV-a(a) to read as follows:\nIV-a.(a) Except as provided in subparagraphs (b) and (c) any appropriate law enforcement officer, animal control officer, or officer of a duly licensed humane society may take into temporary protective custody any animal , except for livestock, which shall be governed by paragraph IV-b, when there is probable cause to believe that it has been or is being abused or neglected in violation of paragraphs III or III-a when there is a clear and imminent danger to the animal's health or life and there is not sufficient time to obtain a court order. Such officer shall leave a written notice indicating the type and number of animals taken into protective custody, the name of the officer, the time and date taken, the reason it was taken, the procedure to have the animal returned and any other relevant information. Such notice shall be left at the location where the animal was taken into custody. The officer shall provide for proper care and housing of any animal taken into protective custody under this paragraph. If, after 7 days, the animal has not been returned or claimed, the officer shall petition the municipal or district court seeking either permanent custody or a one-week extension of custody or shall file charges under this section. If a week's extension is granted by the court and after a period of 14 days the animal remains unclaimed, the title and custody of the animal shall rest with the officer on behalf of the officer's department or society. The department or society may dispose of the animal in any lawful and humane manner as if it were the rightful owner. If after 14 days the officer or the officer's department determines that charges should be filed under this section, the officer shall petition the court.\n3 New Paragraphs; Cruelty to Animals; Livestock. Amend RSA 644:8 by inserting after paragraph IV-a the following new paragraphs:\nIV-b.(a) Any person charged with cruelty to animals under paragraph III or III-a concerning livestock may have his or her livestock confiscated by the arresting officer. No animal shall be confiscated unless a person is charged under this section, except when there is probable cause to believe the livestock's life is in imminent danger. The investigating officer for a case involving livestock as defined in RSA 427:38, III shall be accompanied by the state veterinarian or designee, to include New Hampshire department of agriculture, markets, and food staff, or a licensed veterinarian, or other qualified staff from an animal shelter facility approved by the state veterinarian, in person or by video, who shall determine whether there is probable cause to believe that the livestock should be confiscated. Livestock confiscated without a warrant where a charge has not been filed shall be returned within 10 days.\n(b) The department of justice shall develop a form to be distributed to any person charged with cruelty to animals under paragraph III or III\u2011a, concerning livestock. The form shall inform the person of their right to have the confiscated livestock examined by a veterinarian licensed under RSA 332\u2011B, chosen by the person charged, at the person's expense.\n(c) Courts shall give cases in which livestock have been confiscated by an arresting officer priority on the court calendar, as outlined in RSA 644:8, IV(a)(3).\n(d) Any person with proof of sole ownership or co-ownership of the livestock confiscated by an arresting officer in a livestock cruelty case and who is not a defendant or party of interest in the criminal case may petition the court for temporary custody of the livestock. The court shall give such person priority for temporary custody of the livestock if the court determines it is in the best interest of the livestock's health, safety, and wellbeing.\n(e) No custodian of the livestock confiscated under this section shall spay or neuter or otherwise permanently alter the confiscated livestock in his or her custody pending final disposition of the court case unless a treating veterinarian deems such procedure necessary to save the life of the livestock or the owner of the livestock agrees in writing to the procedure or treatment. If the treating veterinarian believes that livestock which has been confiscated is in a state of suffering and that the cost to alleviate the suffering will exceed the amount of allowable reimbursement as set by Agr 3504.01(c)(8), unless the owner pays for the care, the animal shall be euthanized.\n(f) Upon a person's conviction of cruelty to animals regarding livestock, the court shall dispose of the confiscated livestock in any manner it decides except in a case in which the confiscated livestock is owned or co-owned by persons other than the defendant. If the defendant does not have an ownership interest in the confiscated livestock, the court shall give priority to restoring full ownership rights to any person with proof of ownership if the court determines that such is in the best interest of the livestock's health, safety, and wellbeing. If the confiscated livestock is co-owned by the defendant, the court shall give priority to transferring the defendant's interest in the property to the remaining owner or co-owners equitably if the court determines that such is in the best interest of the livestock's health, safety, and wellbeing.\n(g) The costs to provide the confiscated livestock with humane care and adequate and necessary veterinary services, if any, incurred in boarding and treating the livestock, pending disposition of the case, and in disposing of the livestock upon a conviction of said person for cruelty to animals regarding livestock, shall be borne by the person so convicted in accordance with rules adopted by the department of agriculture, markets, and food.\n(h) Any donations raised using the stories or likenesses of the animals in protective custody shall be used to offset the cost of care of such animals.\nIV-c.(a) Except as provided in RSA 644:8, IV(b), any appropriate law enforcement officer or municipal animal control officer may take into temporary protective custody any livestock when the owner or caretaker is not present and there is probable cause to believe that it has been or is being abused or neglected in violation of paragraphs III or III-a when there is a clear and imminent danger to the livestock's health or life and there is not sufficient time to obtain a court order. Such officer shall leave a written notice indicating the type and number of livestock taken into protective custody, the name of the officer, the time and date taken, the reason it was taken, the procedure to have the livestock returned, and any other relevant information. Such notice shall be left at the location where the livestock was taken into custody. The officer shall provide for proper care and housing of any livestock taken into protective custody under this paragraph. For any livestock confiscated without a warrant where a charge has not been filed, the confiscated livestock shall be returned within 10 days. If, after 10 days, the livestock has not been returned or claimed, the officer shall petition the municipal or district court seeking either permanent custody or a one-week extension of custody or shall file charges under this section. If a week's extension is granted by the court and after a period of 14 days the livestock remains unclaimed, the title and custody of the livestock shall rest with the officer on behalf of the officer's department. The department may dispose of the livestock in any lawful and humane manner as if it were the rightful owner. If after 14 days the officer or the officer's department determines that charges should be filed under this section, the officer shall petition the court. An owner of livestock taken into protective custody shall have the right as referenced in subparagraph IV(b).\n(b) For purposes of subparagraph (a), the investigating officer for livestock, as defined in RSA 427:38, III, shall be accompanied by the state veterinarian or their designee in person or by video, who shall set the probable cause criteria for taking the livestock.\n(c) In cases where one or more lactating livestock is confiscated, proof shall be provided by the confiscating party to the attending veterinarian and the owner or caretaker that proper care and facilities shall be provided for adults and offspring. No lactating livestock shall be separated from its non-weaned offspring unless such separation is authorized by a licensed veterinarian.\n(d) No person, other than the state veterinarian or their designee, or an employee of a government agency with jurisdiction to investigate violations of this section, and who is conducting an investigation under this section, may take part during any investigation into a complaint conducted pursuant to this section. No person who may be called upon to take custody of any livestock seized as a result of a complaint under this section may participate in the decision to seize any livestock. The act of making or forwarding a complaint does not make a person part of an investigation, and does not render that person ineligible to take animals into custody.\n(e) In order to protect the integrity of complaint investigations an appropriate law enforcement officer shall require any person or their designated agent called upon to take custody of any livestock seized or to assist during any complaint investigation, to sign a binding nondisclosure agreement intended to protect any shared or confidential information against unauthorized use pending final adjudication or dismissal of such complaint; provided that information may be disclosed only to officials with a need to know who are subject to confidentiality obligations.\n(f) No custodian of livestock in temporary protective custody under this section shall spay or neuter or otherwise permanently alter the confiscated livestock in his or her custody pending final disposition of the court case unless a treating veterinarian deems such procedure necessary to save the life of the livestock or the owner of the livestock agrees in writing to the procedure or treatment. If the treating veterinarian believes that livestock which has been confiscated is in a state of suffering and that the cost to alleviate the suffering will exceed the amount of allowable reimbursement as set by Agr 3504.01(c)(8), unless the owner pays for the care or surrenders the animal outright or for care by an animal shelter facility, the animal shall be euthanized.\n4 Veterinarian Assistant. Amend RSA 644:8, V to read as follows:\nV. A veterinarian licensed to practice in the state and the state veterinarian or their designee shall be held harmless from either criminal or civil liability for any decisions made for services rendered under the provisions of this section or RSA 435:11-16. Such a veterinarian or designee is, therefore, under this paragraph, protected from a lawsuit for his or her part in an investigation of cruelty to animals.\n5 State Veterinarian; Powers. Amend RSA 436:8 to read as follows:\n436:8 Powers. The state veterinarian, under the direction of the commissioner, shall have all of the powers of the commissioner and shall have general charge of the enforcement of this chapter. Complaints under RSA 644:8, 644:8-a, 644:8-aa and any other law pertaining to the abuse of domestic animals, as defined under RSA 436:1, shall initially be filed with the local law enforcement agency, animal control officer, state police, or sheriff which has jurisdiction over where the animal is located or kept. At the request of the local law enforcement agency, animal control officer, state police, or sheriff, the state veterinarian shall assist in a secondary capacity in enforcing the provisions of and investigating said complaints. [ In the event the commissioner becomes incapacitated or a vacancy occurs in the office, the state veterinarian shall perform all the duties of that office during any such incapacity or until any such vacancy is filled. The commissioner may direct the state veterinarian to act for him or her in an official capacity whenever he or she may be absent from his or her duties. ]\n6 Repeal. RSA 644:8, IV-a(b), relative to livestock confiscation, is repealed.\n7 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2027.\nVETOED June 19, 2026 / Veto Sustained August 19, 2026\nLBA\n26-2839\n04/24/2026\nHB 1766-FN- FISCAL NOTE\nAS AMENDED BY THE SENATE (AMENDMENT # 2026-1432s)\nAN ACT relative to cruelty to livestock.\nAGENCIES CONTACTED:\nDepartment of Agriculture, Markets and Food", "in_text": [{"date": "11Mar2026", "short": "0985h", "num": "2026-0985h"}, {"date": "04/23/2026", "short": "1432s", "num": "2026-1432s"}], "chars": 13851}, "nver": 5, "namd": 3, "rsa": {"RSA 644:8": "/laws/644#s8", "RSA 427:38": "/laws/427#s38", "RSA 332-B": "/laws/332-b", "RSA 435:11-16": "/laws/435", "RSA 436:8": "/laws/436#s8", "RSA 436:1": "/laws/436#s1", "RSA 332": "/laws/332"}, "amends": {"RSA 644:8": "/laws/644#s8", "RSA 436:8": "/laws/436#s8"}, "related": [{"g": 0, "o": "2025-2026/SB475", "n": "SB 475", "t": "relative to pet vendor foster homes, defining pet vendor foster facility, and relative to cruelty to livestock.", "y": 2026, "c": "Died", "s": "Its language was offered as amendment 2026-1838h to {b}; the House adopted it."}, {"g": 0, "o": "2025-2026/HB1709", "n": "HB 1709-FN", "t": "prohibiting certain unlawfully present felons from occupying or renting real property, relative to pet vendor foster home and defining pet vendor foster facility, and providing procedures for the potential confiscation of livestock involved in cruelty to animal cases.", "y": 2026, "c": "Died", "s": "Its language was offered as amendment 2026-1978s to {b}; the Senate adopted it."}, {"g": 2, "o": "2025-2026/SB475", "n": "SB 475", "t": "relative to pet vendor foster homes, defining pet vendor foster facility, and relative to cruelty to livestock.", "y": 2026, "c": "Died", "s": "This term's {b} has much the same text."}, {"g": 2, "o": "2025-2026/HB1709", "n": "HB 1709-FN", "t": "prohibiting certain unlawfully present felons from occupying or renting real property, relative to pet vendor foster home and defining pet vendor foster facility, and providing procedures for the potential confiscation of livestock involved in cruelty to animal cases.", "y": 2026, "c": "Died", "s": "This term's {b} has much the same text."}]}