Revision: March 26, 2026, 7:50 a.m.
HB 1013 - AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE
5Mar2026... 0718h
2026 SESSION
26-2323
08/09
HOUSE BILL 1013
AN ACT relative to games wherein the object is to capture a pig.
SPONSORS: Rep. C. Harvey, Ches. 6; Rep. Bixby, Straf. 13; Rep. Gruber, Ches. 16; Rep. Newell, Ches. 4; Rep. Berch, Ches. 6; Sen. Watters, Dist 4
COMMITTEE: Environment and Agriculture
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AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill requires the commissioner of the department of agriculture, markets, and food to develop best practices and recommendations for games in which the object is to capture a pig and to develop rules for enforcement of such practices.
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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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
5Mar2026... 0718h 26-2323
08/09
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
AN ACT relative to games wherein the object is to capture a pig.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Section; Contests Involving Pigs. Amend RSA 644 by inserting after section 8-g the following new section:
644:8-h Contests Involving Pigs.
I. In order to promote an educational, humane, and safe event for contestants, livestock, and viewers, and in consultation with livestock farmers, livestock veterinarians, the state fair association, and the university of New Hampshire cooperative extension, the commissioner of the department of agriculture, markets, and food shall identify and publish best handling practices and recommendations for contests involving the capture of pigs. Such practices and recommendations shall be published in advance of the 2027 fair season and shall include:
(a) Handling of pigs during release and capture.
(b) Supervision of contestants during the event.
(c) Guidance for training of individuals supervising or assisting.
(d) The manner and provisions for the transportation of pigs to be taken home by contestants.
II. The department of agriculture, markets, and food shall also adopt rules under RSA 541-A relative to enforcement of best practices ensuring that rules are followed by organizers and participants, including a penalty for violating such best practices which includes a period of time for which a violative contest shall not be in operation.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
26-2323
03/25/2026
HB 1013- FISCAL NOTE
AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE (AMENDMENT # 2026-0718h)
AN ACT relative to games wherein the object is to capture a pig.
FISCAL IMPACT: This bill does not provide funding, nor does it authorize new positions.
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Estimated State Impact | ||||||
| FY 2026 | FY 2027 | FY 2028 | FY 2029 | ||
Revenue | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | ||
Revenue Fund(s) | None | |||||
Expenditures* | $0 | Indeterminable Increase | Indeterminable Increase | Indeterminable Increase | ||
Funding Source(s) | General Fund | |||||
Appropriations* | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | ||
Funding Source(s) | None | |||||
*Expenditure = Cost of bill *Appropriation = Authorized funding to cover cost of bill | ||||||
METHODOLOGY:
This bill requires the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food to develop and publish best handling practices for contests involving the capture of pigs and to adopt rules for enforcement of those practices.
The Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food states it does not have sufficient information regarding the number, frequency, or location of such events to determine the level of effort required to implement the bill. The Department states it is currently operating at capacity and would be unable to absorb additional responsibilities within its existing budget. As a result, the Department reports an indeterminable increase in state expenditures beginning in FY 2026 and each year thereafter. Based on limited information, expenditures could range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more annually, depending on the need for additional staff, overtime, rulemaking, and development of educational materials.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food