[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,87,99,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6650420,"mediaKeyId","2508172-9cd6ecd3d98ceb3e1a6a4be9d61027f2","parentId",2508172,"title","Committee hears HB424 on service‑animal documentation; Department advises against state form, panel discussion urged","audioSeconds",3261,"startMs",2885474,"endMs",6146945,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2508172-9cd6ecd3d98ceb3e1a6a4be9d61027f2&start=2885&end=6146","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2508172-9cd6ecd3d98ceb3e1a6a4be9d61027f2/thumbnail_2885474.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6650420/New-Hampshire/Committee-hears-HB424-on-serviceanimal-documentation-Department-advises-against-state-form-panel-discussion-urged","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650420-8853b0a8b6d182b907c5187b4c39dda4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199774&Signature=ORI5uXl2-NI-oZ58eKAj6JhfE-NWNUrR0gRDAdtAVfR6gMXgEfirBjX1gu8KzQrzgTAztV0LxaoS4WF14Qe50tqoWfKCjSCl75WsHVSbb5tKee9sRaf6ugOmLGE-uIBggLr6ek5g-mde9l0CF52BV29Bnn4As7mX~-rYob773CkfRHyMcKa4-bOjhJgZ-wIADGnWv6Jjn0P2RHUDcOCUq1uALcZr8qi7jUZ8PEBnaQvQsadr6H1BO5QFB8rOMDpT0nun2Kt9oZ2fBaMvLNQ75xqPhTk0CU-eHB5k0HMTgKOSEyM2V9MtsazSf9NtfscS0P0LC8IHHfMMFIZhPkXxeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","New Hampshire Legislature","date","2025-03-05T20:42:12.26Z","article","Representative Jerry Stringham introduced HB424, a bill that would direct the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food to create forms businesses could use to request information about service animals and would establish a committee to study protection of business owners from accommodating customers who present fraudulent or untrained animals.

Stringham said the problem had arisen in hotel and restaurant settings and that businesses wanted a straightforward way to reduce confusion. \"House bill 4 24 is called directing the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food to create forms for businesses to request information about service animals and establishing a committee to study the protection of business owners from requests to accommodate customers with fraudulent or untrained service animals,\" he told the committee.

Multiple witnesses and agency representatives told the committee federal law sharply limits what businesses may ask. Karen Rosenberg, policy director for the Disability Rights Center, told the committee that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) permits only two questions when it is not obvious that an animal is a service animal: whether the animal is required because of a disability and what task the animal is trained to perform. She said the ADA expressly prohibits requiring documentation or proof of service‑animal status. \"Requiring a form at all would violate the ADA because that's documentation and public accommodations are prohibited from requiring documentation,\" Rosenberg said.

Commissioner Sean Jasper of the Department of Agriculture told the committee the department was not an appropriate agency to create the proposed form and would not create one that violated federal law. He told lawmakers, \"I don't think a form could be created such as this that would meet the federal law,\" and said he would decline to create a form that would violate the ADA.

Representatives of the Governor's Commission on Disability and the Disability Rights Center offered to help craft educational materials and guidance for businesses and law enforcement; Chuck Saia of the governor's commission noted the commission and the secretary of state's office already produce a decal businesses may post about misrepresentation being illegal. Several committee members said they were open to a study committee to gather stakeholders, standardize guidance, and, if appropriate, request federal guidance or congressional action.

Ending: The hearing closed with broad agreement that businesses need better training and clear, legally permissible guidance; the Department of Agriculture declined to produce a mandatory form and committee members signaled support for a study group to work with the Attorney General's office, disability advocates, and business groups.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Environment and Agriculture (03/05/2025)","oneSentenceSummary","Representative Jerry Stringham said HB424 would direct a state form for businesses and create a study committee to address fraudulent service‑animal claims, but witnesses and the Department said the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) restricts required documentation.","taxTitle","Public Works and Highways, House of Representatives, Committees\t, Legislative, New Hampshire","taxId",17759,"location","New Hampshire","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6650423,"Keene attack prompts bill to let municipalities require muzzles for dogs; committee seeks limits and due process",0,1715885,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2508172-9cd6ecd3d98ceb3e1a6a4be9d61027f2&start=1715&end=1715","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2508172-9cd6ecd3d98ceb3e1a6a4be9d61027f2/thumbnail_1715885.jpg","/articles/6650423/New-Hampshire/Keene-attack-prompts-bill-to-let-municipalities-require-muzzles-for-dogs-committee-seeks-limits-and-due-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650423-be1d50c995b2cb1b44492dda2378d7b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199774&Signature=fSMoHvSWpoqGhpy5iUkA0LwmZkY8ngaNQLUHe9vhT8QPQup-5oDCGE6SxFqCtXWu898qx2hkV4EofP3XayH7HDtJuCNd7SRE~4onOZncBfzKmh0V91IPhZpqdLt5EYCBgStZV3TEX9zgPGt4AGy7WLbXtBrT7w4tDkZtz3lY6He34jHC6N3xH7b09AOTGbGfna2vQJ5m66FtAgQJAdeK9jSq1hVKd4m2vnm4d8jHKMAIfjcr9BPmK47RgyEjc0qlN4~Vm64iqQk5vimUB~P7yPQb015b8cNKwMbaEtDmosnx-MC2K4hinjXR4fPWkFfHwp7ltirwyEnK3-2EHR1Trg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Jody Newell, sponsor of HB250, told the committee the bill would \"enable local governing bodies to regulate muzzling requirements for dogs licensed in that municipality.\" He said Keene city leaders had proposed muzzling demonstrably aggressive dogs after a constituent reported a serious attack on a leashed dog downtown.

Deborah LeBlanc, the Keene resident whose dog was mauled, described the attack in detail and urged the committee to allow municipalities to require muzzles for dogs with bite histories. \"I had to rush her in for emergency surgery. I got bit trying to get the dog off of my dog. It took 3 people to pry the dog's jaw off of her leg,\" LeBlanc said. She told the committee police informed her the attacking dog already had an aggressive history and the community could have prevented her dog's injuries if the municipality could have ordered the owner to muzzle the animal.

Testimony and questioning focused on two practical questions: how to target an ordinance so it applies only to dogs that pose a demonstrable danger (for example dogs with documented bite histories), and how to avoid unintended consequences for legitimate working dogs — hunting and herding dogs — which may be impractical to muzzle. Daniel Dockum, who owns hunting and herding dogs, warned that some working dogs require the ability to bark or bite to perform their jobs and that broad municipal muzzling requirements could disrupt legitimate rural uses.

Municipal officials and Keene City Councilor Bobby Williams told the committee the city had considered a targeted muzzling ordinance but was told by a municipal attorney that current state law left a gray area that prevented muzzling rules except in a rabies outbreak. Williams said the city had increased fines for vicious dogs but that fines alone were not an effective deterrent to repeated attacks.

Several witnesses and legislators proposed guardrails such as limiting a muzzling requirement to dogs in public places, tying muzzling to a documented bite or viciousness determination, and building a local process with due process protections and periodic review. Kyle Baker, representing the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation, told the committee he favored specificity (for example, requiring muzzles only for dogs with a history of biting other dogs) and suggested making muzzling an available remedy in court orders under RSA 466:31 rather than as a broad municipal blanket rule.

Committee members discussed where authority should sit, with Representative Bixby explaining HB250's intent to give municipalities explicit authority under New Hampshire's Dillon Rule framework. Several lawmakers suggested leaving determinations to municipal ordinance drafters so that densely populated towns could take different approaches from rural towns and to include due process and exemptions for working dogs. There was no formal vote on the bill at the hearing.

Ending: The committee closed the hearing after extensive testimony and questions and signaled the bill would be discussed further in committee work sessions and subcommittee, with attention to tailoring any municipal authority so it protects public safety while avoiding undue burdens on working dogs and property owners.","Representative Jody Newell introduced HB250 to allow local governments to require muzzles for dogs with a history of aggression after a Keene attack. Testimony included an owner whose dog required emergency surgery; committee members debated scope, exemptions for hunting/herding dogs and enforcement mechanisms.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6650428,"Committee discusses animal-seizure practices after Lee case; calls for clearer oversight of humane societies",1700,160,1700230,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2508172-9cd6ecd3d98ceb3e1a6a4be9d61027f2&start=0&end=1700","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2508172-9cd6ecd3d98ceb3e1a6a4be9d61027f2/thumbnail_160.jpg","/articles/6650428/New-Hampshire/Committee-discusses-animal-seizure-practices-after-Lee-case-calls-for-clearer-oversight-of-humane-societies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650428-ec83f703d73e70f20905ab6162434384/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199774&Signature=BzA4XFPbl9Igb3DpHFzXEfj0OUOtivruofGt36kLHcq8BGq228dd0lN-Gukd0UAoT3XICdm54yMCokvYjeFUG6jY9uyfeemirFg8YaA48Cyk-2moVmQ9965s1qjHE7ND5DPgSTUFybkot9LsaYN4vU-MiMKoRhPBOepfNCwIGmUb1Yiyn48D9UdceUUMP~xNizZBxI4Vj4rfThvxwjD~Yl1Q3LIycTG8vMqQqITkkryfF~BaavZFvGuVJDtyRLVegojuhNRHBJaXQhWnkn-82WATpPKbod1-5CbFx5fgKeQ4-Vv8d5QGfCbAZWmnsSbXeN8P8jU7TD5Dmzc3BF0GSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the New Hampshire House Environment and Agriculture Committee spent a lengthy work session discussing concerns about how animal seizures are carried out and the role private humane societies play in investigations and taking animals into protective custody.

The discussion began with committee members reacting to testimony about a local case repeatedly identified in the hearing as the “Lee” case, where committee members said a farm owner surrendered animals and later faced a steep buy‑back demand. Several lawmakers urged changes to ensure animal owners understand their rights and to clarify when private humane organizations may take custody of animals.

Committee members and witnesses emphasized two recurring problems: lack of consistent oversight of private humane societies when they act in investigative roles, and insufficient on‑site veterinary assessment accompanying seizures. ‘‘I think we have to figure it out,’’ Representative Bixby said during the work session, adding that some parts of the proposed legislation are substantial and need careful review.

Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sean Jasper told the committee the department inspects humane organizations and does not have a formal financial relationship with most of them. He said the department has at times been excluded from decisions and that confusion in prior statutory language has left unclear authorities in the protective‑custody context. ‘‘There is absolutely no relationship between the state and any humane society,’’ Jasper said, adding that his office tries to assist police by providing lists of locations that can shelter seized animals but that the department has at times been kept out of the process.

Committee members pressed for specific fixes, including standardized notice to owners that surrendering custody could mean permanent loss of ownership, ensuring an independent third‑party evaluator (for example, a veterinarian not affiliated with the investigator) is involved in on‑site assessments, and considering telehealth links to a qualified veterinarian where staff resources are limited. Representative Scully suggested using teleconferencing to allow a veterinarian to view animals remotely when an on‑site expert cannot attend.

Several members said the committee should not rush legislation. Representative Bixby proposed adding a study committee to examine the entire chapter of statute governing animal seizures, while others recommended referral to the committee’s animal subcommittee for more detailed drafting work. Chair said she would convene the animal subcommittee to continue work on the bill and on related bills.

The session ended with the committee agreeing to move detailed drafting and unresolved issues to the animal protection subcommittee for further work and possible amendments before a formal hearing.

Ending: Committee members said they will continue work in subcommittee, with specific attention to owner notice, third‑party assessment requirements, and statutory language that currently leaves protective custody processes unclear.","Members of the New Hampshire House Environment and Agriculture Committee questioned how humane societies and law enforcement coordinate animal seizures after testimony about the \"Lee\" case and proposed statutory clarifications and a subcommittee review.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":79,"_43":102,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6650411,"Lawmakers hear HB401 seeking to ban state funds for animal product testing and require reporting; advocates press for modern non‑animal methods",15660630,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2508172-9cd6ecd3d98ceb3e1a6a4be9d61027f2&start=15660&end=15660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2508172-9cd6ecd3d98ceb3e1a6a4be9d61027f2/thumbnail_15660630.jpg","/articles/6650411/New-Hampshire/Lawmakers-hear-HB401-seeking-to-ban-state-funds-for-animal-product-testing-and-require-reporting-advocates-press-for-modern-nonanimal-methods","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650411-737c6638d5bdfd27390443029979b1d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199774&Signature=XIQ4Fc5kMfedYef2akZb0yfdaDuiOpXc5QJi~qxZ1068ZGTxdTUqIGqVkFeAtqbUG3JcxoPJ9U8su-ccdxMq3BAyFhrsR9~E991bApcDE8ZtADA1MzkVq-1u33G5ydGAzRAVqYK7GMLa3LC2LPMG5JY3KSHpUTZRKvFogX51pChIiGG0Qlzdqx-idlVeT74Mgn3xl4RKBF7JQg2Ycv9bj6NJmfbVEkGbd-TkmL-JFKm575bltWD-6c5U5c-mza2BckenLjl4f6y0NEqCkx-IgeWLbsNtVQ4iaSe6Qr1~4eQ7RI2JgMFkpY~HbffuapxslLMZOWmlNKgNIXOTOyB8WA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Diane Kelly introduced HB401, a bill that would prohibit the use of New Hampshire state funds for ingredient or product testing that relies on traditional animal‑based test methods and would require annual reporting from in‑state testing facilities on animal use.

Kelly told the committee such a measure would align New Hampshire with federal trends and emerging non‑animal methods and cited the FDA Modernization Act and the EPA's plans to phase out mammal testing as reasons states should act. She also noted high public opposition to taxpayer‑funded animal testing: \"We are wasting time, money, and lives,\" she said, urging the legislature to invest in alternatives such as organ‑on‑a‑chip and computer models.

Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society) state director Kurt Ehrenberg testified in support and explained a practical reporting problem: federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) reporting excludes the species most commonly used in testing (mice, rats and fish), and corporate reporting frequently aggregates animals under a corporate headquarters. He said those reporting gaps make it difficult to know how many animals are tested inside New Hampshire or whether state funds support product testing.

Witnesses and student testifiers urged the committee to adopt both a ban on state funding for non‑medical product testing and a reporting requirement so lawmakers and the public would have a clear, searchable record of what testing occurs in the state. Several witnesses contrasted product and cosmetic testing — which many states have banned from sale — with biomedical research at universities and diagnostic labs; the bill's language excludes biomedical research and focuses on ingredient and product testing funded by state dollars.

Ending: The committee heard extensive public testimony in favor of the bill; advocates asked the committee to require annual reporting of animal use by facilities operating in New Hampshire and to phase out state funding for products tested on animals as alternatives become available.","Representative Diane Kelly's HB401 would bar New Hampshire state funds for product testing that uses traditional animal methods and require annual reporting by in‑state testing facilities. Witnesses said current federal reporting hides much animal testing; advocates urged a reporting requirement and a phase‑out of non‑medical animal testing.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6650415,"Short hearing on HB262 examines group dog‑license fee structure; advocates warn against raising costs that deter rabies vaccinations",1789,12582395,14371815,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2508172-9cd6ecd3d98ceb3e1a6a4be9d61027f2&start=12582&end=14371","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2508172-9cd6ecd3d98ceb3e1a6a4be9d61027f2/thumbnail_12582395.jpg","/articles/6650415/New-Hampshire/Short-hearing-on-HB262-examines-group-doglicense-fee-structure-advocates-warn-against-raising-costs-that-deter-rabies-vaccinations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650415-9b1eb8473f125010d66c27f71763745e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199774&Signature=Pawnci~R~HUky7WE7BPv323Jfm3DZLatRH-Bqd683crwjfKZORh2ymrF15NNoIjGG8IgvHNRxwi27uwRvZcpqHE8pJaCauh2Z~mzhkfSk~9jWJARgv9P0RTXq1T~fRF8gDfDIu9gdkSnyAEKHNMxg3kwKtAftPKZSD91eyu1gGvCSlmr0hk9wUSref5EoUr-o0HmyC3XE8NS47dVpURziGJUsFQB8aWHlocl-Pnoohaaaxx6SLTXJvCnWdZSWS7JhH~TR0U0kvf672HJC6-JE6PnvRAzZ6vSwXbyx~EsHQLUE-0EiG1qPsn1MatPjXdtYJ1IolZ-MzXl2gPlTpy2zg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee held a short hearing on HB262, a bill that would change the definition and fee structure for group dog licenses.

Marla Fields of New Hampshire Dogs testified in opposition, saying group licenses exist to make rabies vaccinations and licensing affordable for owners with multiple dogs. Fields said raising fees or creating complex tiers could discourage owners from vaccinating and registering animals. \"The original purpose for licensing was to have rabies watched by the town people to make sure the dogs are vaccinated,\" she said, and warned higher fees would create perverse incentives not to vaccinate.

Committee members noted the current law produces counterintuitive outcomes in which owners of four dogs sometimes pay more than owners with five or more because of the flat group license rate. Representative Bixby, who introduced the bill on behalf of an absent sponsor, said the bill aimed to address that disparity but that a revised amendment had been circulated to address town clerks' concerns; he suggested the matter be returned for additional drafting. The sponsor did not appear for the hearing and committee members said if no sponsor materialized they would likely recommend interim tracking (ITL) or further drafting.

Ending: With the sponsor absent and clerks reporting practical implementation issues, the committee closed the hearing with plans to seek amended language or to leave the bill ITL pending sponsor follow up.","The committee heard brief testimony on HB262 (group licenses for dogs). Testimony from New Hampshire Dogs and town clerks warned higher or more complex fees could discourage licensing and rabies vaccination; sponsor absent so no formal action taken.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee hears HB424 on service‑animal documentation; Department advises against state form, panel discussion urged

Keene attack prompts bill to let municipalities require muzzles for dogs; committee seeks limits and due process

Committee discusses animal-seizure practices after Lee case; calls for clearer oversight of humane societies

Lawmakers hear HB401 seeking to ban state funds for animal product testing and require reporting; advocates press for modern non‑animal methods

Short hearing on HB262 examines group dog‑license fee structure; advocates warn against raising costs that deter rabies vaccinations