Bill > HB86

This bill modifies the existing law regarding civil forfeiture for unlicensed dogs in New Hampshire by changing how service costs are calculated. Specifically, the bill replaces the previous flat $7 service fee with a requirement that service costs match the United States Postal Service's certified mail rate with return receipt at the time of mailing. This new rate (currently $8.95) will apply whether the notice of civil forfeiture is delivered by certified mail, handed directly to the dog owner, or left at the owner's residence. The bill maintains the existing process where town or city clerks compile a list of dog owners who have failed to license their dogs, and local governing bodies can issue warrants and potentially seize unlicensed dogs. The legislation provides consistency in service cost calculation and allows municipalities to recover their service expenses. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, and while it may generate a small additional revenue for local governments, the exact financial impact is considered indeterminable by the fiscal note.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0115&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB86