This bill amends RSA 466:14 to increase the cost of service for notice of civil forfeiture of unlicensed dogs. The new legal language specifies that the cost of service shall not exceed the United States Postal Service rate for certified mail with return receipt, which is currently $8.95, or $10 for service delivered in-hand or left at the abode of the dog owner. The previous cost of service was set at $7. Additionally, the bill allows municipalities to recover the cost of service in addition to the civil forfeiture amount.

The bill is expected to have an indeterminable fiscal impact on local revenues, as it is unclear how many notices of civil forfeiture will be issued or the method of service that will be utilized. The effective date of the act is set for 60 days after its passage. Overall, the legislation aims to ensure that municipalities can adequately cover the costs associated with notifying dog owners about civil forfeiture for unlicensed dogs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 105:19
As Amended by the House: 105:19