The bill SB 302-FN, as amended by the House, introduces comprehensive changes to solid waste management and animal cruelty regulations in New Hampshire. It mandates background checks for owners and managers of solid waste facilities, as specified in the newly inserted language in RSA 147-A:4, II-c and II-d, and establishes a Solid Waste Facility Site Evaluation Committee to oversee the certification of major solid waste disposal facilities. The bill temporarily suspends the issuance of solid waste permits by the Department of Environmental Services (DES) and prohibits the confiscation of animals from individuals suspected of abuse unless they are formally charged or the animals require protective custody. Additionally, it requires the state veterinarian to accompany investigating officers in livestock cruelty cases and creates a committee to review existing animal cruelty statutes.

The bill also modifies the permitting process for hazardous waste facilities, requiring thorough criminal history checks for applicants and related individuals, and stipulates that no permit can be transferred without prior written approval from the DES. It enhances the application process by requiring detailed information about potential impacts and mandates public information sessions prior to filing applications. The bill emphasizes transparency and public involvement, allowing for independent reviews of assessments and establishing enforcement mechanisms for compliance violations. Furthermore, it includes provisions to ensure the humane treatment of confiscated animals and mandates the creation of a committee to review and update animal cruelty statutes. Overall, SB 302-FN aims to strengthen regulatory oversight and enhance animal welfare protections while ensuring public interests are prioritized in solid waste management.

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