Bill > HB545

This bill addresses the potential spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal neurological disease affecting deer, elk, and other cervids (hoofed mammals in the deer family), by requiring specific testing procedures for cervid meat processed outside of New Hampshire before it can be brought into the state. The legislation mandates that the Department of Fish and Game maintain a list of states where CWD has been reported, and any cervid meat originating from outside New Hampshire must be tested for the disease prior to entry. Chronic wasting disease is a serious animal health concern because it is a progressive, fatal neurological condition that can potentially spread among cervid populations and pose risks to wildlife management. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to have a minimal financial impact, with potential state revenues from citations estimated at less than $10,000 per year. The fiscal note suggests that the bill may also have some indeterminate effects on judicial and correctional systems due to potential new enforcement requirements related to the testing and importation restrictions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0345&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB545