Bill Text - SB290 (2025)

Relative to the definition of "torture" in animal abuse cases.


Revision: Jan. 24, 2025, 2:10 p.m.

SB  - AS INTRODUCED

 

 

2025 SESSION

25-1090

08/09

 

SENATE BILL 290-FN

 

AN ACT relative to the definition of "torture" in animal abuse cases.

 

SPONSORS: Sen. Watters, Dist 4; Sen. Long, Dist 20; Sen. Birdsell, Dist 19; Sen. Altschiller, Dist 24; Sen. Innis, Dist 7; Sen. Rosenwald, Dist 13; Sen. Perkins Kwoka, Dist 21; Sen. Prentiss, Dist 5; Rep. J. MacDonald, Carr. 6

 

COMMITTEE: Judiciary

 

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ANALYSIS

 

This bill defines torture within the animal cruelty statute.

 

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

25-1090

08/09

 

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

 

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Five

 

AN ACT relative to the definition of "torture" in animal abuse cases.

 

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

 

1  New Paragraph; Torture; Definition.  Amend RSA 644:8 by inserting after paragraph II-a the following new paragraph:

II-b. In this section, "torture" means any negligent or purposeful act or omission that causes intensive or prolonged pain or suffering, causes serious physical injury, or causes the death of an animal due to such negligent or purposeful act or omission.

2  Effective Date.  This act shall take effect January 1, 2026.

 

LBA

25-1090

1/8/25

 

SB 290-FN- FISCAL NOTE

AS INTRODUCED

 

AN ACT relative to the definition of "torture" in animal abuse cases.

 

FISCAL IMPACT:  

 

 

Estimated State Impact

 

FY 2025

FY 2026

FY 2027

FY 2028

Revenue

$0

$0

$0

$0

Revenue Fund

None

Expenditures*

Indeterminable

Funding Source

General Fund

Appropriations*

$0

$0

$0

$0

Funding Source

None

*Expenditure = Cost of bill            *Appropriation = Authorized funding to cover cost of bill

 

Estimated Political Subdivision Impact

 

FY 2025

FY 2026

FY 2027

FY 2028

County Revenue

$0

$0

$0

$0

County Expenditures

Indeterminable

Local Revenue

$0

$0

$0

$0

Local Expenditures

Indeterminable

 

METHODOLOGY:

This bill adds, deletes, or modifies a criminal penalty, or changes statute to which there is a penalty for violation. Therefore, this bill may have an impact on the judicial and correctional systems, which could affect prosecution, incarceration, probation, and parole costs, for the state, as well as county and local governments. A summary of such costs can be found at: https://gencourt.state.nh.us/lba/Budget/Fiscal_Notes/JudicialCorrectionalCosts.pdf

 

AGENCIES CONTACTED:

Judicial Branch, Judicial Council, Department of Justice, Department of Corrections, New Hampshire Association of Counties, and New Hampshire Municipal Association