The bill SB 302-FN, as amended by the House, introduces comprehensive changes to the regulation of solid waste and hazardous waste facilities in New Hampshire, alongside updates to animal cruelty laws. Key provisions include the requirement for background checks for owners, partners, and managers of solid waste facilities, mandating both state and fingerprint-based criminal records checks. A new Solid Waste Facility Site Evaluation Committee will be established to evaluate the impacts of proposed major solid waste disposal facilities, and the issuance of new solid waste permits will be temporarily suspended. The bill also includes significant amendments to the permitting process for hazardous waste facilities, requiring thorough criminal history checks for applicants and related individuals, and expanding the criteria for application denial based on felony convictions.

In terms of animal cruelty laws, the bill stipulates that animals cannot be confiscated from individuals suspected of abuse unless they are formally charged or require protective custody. It mandates that investigating officers in livestock cruelty cases be accompanied by a state veterinarian to determine probable cause for animal seizure. The bill also emphasizes the need for due process, allowing individuals charged with animal cruelty to have their animals examined by a veterinarian of their choice and ensuring that costs for the care of confiscated animals are borne by those convicted of cruelty. Additionally, a committee will be formed to review and update existing animal cruelty statutes, with a report due by November 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to enhance regulatory oversight, public participation, and animal welfare while ensuring that community impacts are thoroughly evaluated in the permitting process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 147-A:4, 147-A:4-b, 149-M:9, 149-M:10
As Amended by the House: 147-A:4, 147-A:4-b, 149-M:9, 149-M:10, 6:12, 644:8, 436:8, 437-B:1