HB 1348 - AS INTRODUCED
2026 SESSION
26-3140
09/08
HOUSE BILL 1348
AN ACT relative to possession of human remains for law enforcement training purposes.
SPONSORS: Rep. Roy, Rock. 31; Rep. Devoid, Merr. 1; Rep. D. Mannion, Rock. 25; Rep. Rhodes, Ches. 17; Rep. Spillane, Rock. 2; Sen. Birdsell, Dist 19; Sen. Gannon, Dist 23
COMMITTEE: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
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ANALYSIS
This bill authorizes law enforcement to possess human remains, upon written consent, for the purpose of training cadaver dogs.
This bill is a request of the department of safety.
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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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
26-3140
09/08
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
AN ACT relative to possession of human remains for law enforcement training purposes.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Purpose. This chapter establishes the legal framework under which law enforcement agencies in the state of New Hampshire may possess portions of human remains for the sole purpose of training cadaver detection canines, while ensuring compliance with ethical standards and respect for the deceased.
2 New Chapter; Possession of Human Remains for Law Enforcement Purposes. Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 291-A the following new chapter:
CHAPTER 291-B
POSSESSION OF HUMAN REMAINS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PURPOSES
291-B:1 Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
I. “Cadaver canine” means a dog trained to detect the scent of human remains for law enforcement purposes.
II. “Portions of human remains” shall mean identifiable human tissue, bone, or other anatomical material derived from a deceased individual.
291-B:2 Authorization and Consent to Possess Human Remains for Law Enforcement Training.
I. Law enforcement agencies may possess portions of human remains for cadaver canine training only under the following conditions:
(a) Written consent is obtained from:
(1) The next of kin or legal representative of the deceased;?or
(2) The deceased individual, prior to death, through a legally valid document expressing their intent to donate their body or portions thereof for scientific or law enforcement training purposes.
(b) The consent explicitly authorizes the use of the remains for training purposes and identifies the specific portions to be used.
III. The written consent shall be maintained by both the law enforcement agency and the funeral home or mortuary involved. Such documentation shall be made available for inspection by the law enforcement agency or other regulatory authorities upon request.
291-B:3 Conduct During Possession of Human Remains; Return.
I. Upon completion of training, all remaining portions of the human remains shall be returned to the designated funeral home or mortuary.
II. The funeral home or mortuary shall ensure the proper and lawful disposition of the remains in accordance with RSA 290 and other applicable laws.
291-B:4 Oversight.
I. The department of safety shall adopt rules establishing protocols to ensure respectful handling and secure storage of human remains.
II. The department of safety may conduct periodic audits of law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with this section.
III. Any violation of this section or any rules or procedures adopted pursuant to this section may result in disciplinary action, revocation of authorization, or other penalties as prescribed by law.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
Dec. 2, 2025: Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety