This bill amends RSA 466:14 to increase the cost of service for notice of civil forfeiture of unlicensed dogs from a fixed rate of $7 to the current United States Postal Service rate for certified mail with return receipt, which is approximately $8.95. The new legal language specifies that this rate will apply not only for notices sent by certified mail but also for those delivered in-hand or left at the dog owner's abode. 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 delivery that will be used. The effective date of the act is set for 60 days after its passage. Overall, the legislation aims to ensure that the costs associated with notifying dog owners about civil forfeiture are aligned with current postal rates, thereby potentially increasing revenue for local governments.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 466:14
As Amended by the House: 466:14