This bill mandates the New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game to maintain a list of states where chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been reported in cervids. Additionally, it requires that any cervid meat processed outside of New Hampshire must be tested for CWD before being imported into the state. The new section added to RSA 207, specifically section 207:15-b, outlines these requirements, including the penalties for non-compliance. A violation of the testing requirement will result in a $250 fine for the first offense and a class B misdemeanor with a $1,000 fine for subsequent offenses.

The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to have a minimal fiscal impact, with estimated state revenue from fines projected to be less than $10,000 per year. The Fish and Game Department anticipates an indeterminable increase in citations due to the new restrictions on importing processed cervid meat. The bill also modifies existing criminal penalties, which may influence costs related to prosecution and corrections at the state and local levels.