Revision: April 14, 2026, 10:40 a.m.
Rep. Kuttab, Rock. 17
April 3, 2026
2026-1347h
04/05
Amendment to SB 619-FN
Amend RSA RSA 644:8, IV(a)(3) as inserted by section 1 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
(3) Courts shall give cases in which animals have been confiscated by an arresting officer priority on the court calendar. In cases in which animals have been confiscated by an arresting officer or his or her agency, a status hearing shall be held by the court within 14 days of the confiscation of the animals.
(A) A purpose of the hearing shall be to determine whether the confiscation of the animal or animals was lawful in accordance with paragraph IV-a. Upon such a showing, the court may make a determination of temporary custody that is in the best interest of the animal's health, safety, and wellbeing. If the confiscated animal is co-owned by the defendant, the court may transfer the custody of the animal to the remaining owner or co-owners equitably if the court determines that such is in the best interest of the animal's health, safety, and wellbeing. The court may also address any other matters before it as raised by either party or if it is in the interests of justice. Upon request from either party or by order of the court, this hearing may include the defendant's arraignment. Waiver of the arraignment by the defendant shall not waive the 14 day hearing set forth in this paragraph.
(B) If the accused fails to appear in court without giving prior notice within 3 days of the hearing date, or, if less than 3 days notice, without evidence of emergent circumstances, the hearing shall take place as scheduled and the court may rule on any matters before it.