Bill Text - SB475 (2026)

Including a determination of the best interest of the animal in the definition of foster home.


Revision: March 6, 2026, 4:40 a.m.

SB 475  - AS INTRODUCED

 

 

2026 SESSION

26-2034

08/09

 

SENATE BILL 475

 

AN ACT including a determination of the best interest of the animal in the definition of foster home.

 

SPONSORS: Sen. Birdsell, Dist 19; Sen. Avard, Dist 12; Sen. Ward, Dist 8; Sen. Innis, Dist 7; Sen. Watters, Dist 4; Sen. Abbas, Dist 22; Rep. N. Germana, Ches. 15; Rep. W. MacDonald, Rock. 16; Rep. C. Harvey, Ches. 6

 

COMMITTEE: Energy and Natural Resources

 

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ANALYSIS

 

This bill includes a determination of the best interest of the animal in the definition of foster home.

 

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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

26-2034

08/09

 

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

 

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six

 

AN ACT including a determination of the best interest of the animal in the definition of foster home.

 

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

 

1  New Paragraph; Foster Home; Definition.  Amend RSA 437:1 by inserting after paragraph V the following new paragraph:  

VI.  "Foster home" means a private residence in New Hampshire associated with and inspected by an animal shelter facility used to hold animals when it is deemed by a licensed veterinarian to be in the best interest of the animal's health, safety, and wellbeing including pregnant or lactating animals.  

2  Effective Date.  This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.