HB 1276 - AS INTRODUCED
2026 SESSION
26-2846
08/09
HOUSE BILL 1276
AN ACT relative to the liability for death of a companion animal.
SPONSORS: Rep. Corcoran, Hills. 28; Rep. Tom Mannion, Hills. 1
COMMITTEE: Judiciary
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ANALYSIS
This bill allows for an economic award of up to $5,000 in the case of certain intentional or negligent killing of a companion animal.
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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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
26-2846
08/09
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
AN ACT relative to the liability for death of a companion animal.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Section; Liability for Death of a Companion Animal. Amend RSA 508 by inserting after section 22 the following new section:
508:23 Liability for Death of a Companion Animal.
I. A person shall be liable for up to $5,000 in non-economic damages to the owner of a companion animal upon the death of a companion animal if such person causes the death of such companion animal through intentional or negligent conduct. If the death was caused by a negligent act, such act shall have occurred on the property of the owner of the companion animal while the companion animal was under the control of its owner or other caretaker. Noneconomic damages awarded pursuant to this section are limited to compensation for the loss of the reasonably expected companionship, love, and affection of a pet.
II. The limitation in paragraph I shall not apply to causes of action for intentional emotional distress or any other civil action other than the cause of action involving the direct and sole loss of a companion animal.
III. This action shall not:
(a) Apply to a nonprofit entity or governmental agency, or its employees, negligently causing the death of a pet while acting on behalf of public health or animal welfare.
(b) Authorize an award of noneconomic damages in an action for professional negligence against a licensed veterinarian.
(c) Apply to the killing of any dog as authorized under other titles.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2027.
| Date | Body | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 11, 2026 | House | Hearing |
| Feb. 13, 2026 | House | Exec Session |
| Feb. 13, 2026 | House | Floor Vote |
Feb. 26, 2026: Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/13/2026 (Vote 18-0; CC)
Feb. 5, 2026: Executive Session: 02/13/2026 10:00 am GP 158
Feb. 5, 2026: Public Hearing: 02/11/2026 11:00 am GP 230
Dec. 1, 2025: Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Judiciary