Revision: May 14, 2026, 10:54 a.m.
Sen. Birdsell, Dist 19
May 13, 2026
2026-1939s
04/09
Floor Amendment to HB 1709-FN
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT prohibiting certain unlawfully present felons from occupying or renting real property and relative to pet vendor foster homes and defining pet vendor foster facility.
Amend the bill by replacing all after section 1 with the following:
2 New Paragraphs; Pet Vendor Foster Home; Definition. Amend RSA 437:1 by inserting after paragraph V the following new paragraphs:
VI. “Pet vendor foster home” means a private residence in New Hampshire associated with and inspected by a pet vendor licensed under RSA 437:3 that is used to provide temporary physical custody and care at such private residence for the pet vendor’s animals, including, but not limited to, pregnant or lactating animals, when it is deemed to be in the best interests of that animal’s health, safety and wellbeing as determined by a New Hampshire licensed veterinarian.
VII. “Pet vendor foster facility” means a facility in New Hampshire that may house animals owned and inspected by a pet vendor licensed under RSA 437:1 that is used to provide temporary physical custody and care at such facility for medical or behavioral rehabilitation when it is deemed to be in the best interest of the animal’s health, safety, and wellbeing as determined by a New Hampshire licensed veterinarian.
3 New Paragraphs; Sale Of Pets And Disposition Of Unclaimed Animals; Transfer of Animals and Birds; Requirements. Amend RSA 437:3 by inserting after paragraph V the following new paragraphs:
VI. A pet vendor shall report, at least annually and updated as necessary, on all pet vendor foster homes associated with the pet vendor to the department of agriculture, markets, and food to ensure compliance with licensure, animal inventory, and applicable pet limit requirements, as established by department rules pursuant to RSA 541-A.
VII. Information contained in such pet vendor foster home listings shall be confidential and shall not be subject to public disclosure in accordance with RSA 436:6-a and RSA 91-A.
I. Section 1 of this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
II. The remainder of this act shall take effect upon its passage.
2026-1939s
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill:
I. Prohibits certain unlawfully present aliens with prior felony convictions from occupying or renting real property and authorizes sheriffs to arrest such individuals during service of a writ of possession.
II. Includes a determination of the best interest of the animal in the definition of pet vendor foster home.
III. Defines a pet vendor foster facility.
IV. Requires all pet vendors to annually report on associated pet vendor foster homes to the department of agriculture, markets, and food to ensure compliance with licensure, animal inventory, and applicable pet limit requirements.