Committee hears bill to permit limited human‑tissue donations for cadaver canine training with consent and safeguards

Representative Terry Roy introduced House Bill 13‑48 at the Department of Public Safety’s request to establish a statutory framework allowing law‑enforcement agencies to obtain and use small human tissue samples for cadaver canine training. The sponsor said the proposal fills a gap in state law and would include written consent from next of kin or prior donor consent, credentialed oversight, chain‑of‑custody requirements, and licensed‑provider disposition.

Lieutenant Storm of the State Police described current practice as ad hoc and limited to long‑held samples; the bill would standardize procurement, safekeeping and final disposition. Elizabeth Sargent of the New Hampshire Funeral Directors Association said the proposed process mirrors existing anatomical‑donation best practices and would incorporate standards for procurement, storage and respectful disposition. Stakeholders signaled support for a forthcoming amendment adding Department of Environmental Services protocols for disposal and placing oversight with Police Standards and Training rather than the Department of Safety.

Supporters said cadaver canine teams are critical to locating missing persons and recovering remains, and that realistic training requires authentic materials alongside respectful ethical safeguards. No formal votes were taken; stakeholders said they had collaborated on the drafting and expected technical amendment language to be circulated.