The bill SB 302-FN, as amended by the House, introduces comprehensive changes to the regulation of solid waste and animal cruelty in New Hampshire. It mandates background checks for owners and managers of solid waste facilities, requiring both state and fingerprint-based criminal history checks. A new Solid Waste Facility Site Evaluation Committee is established to assess the impacts of major solid waste disposal facilities, which are defined as those accepting over 100,000 tons of waste annually. The bill also imposes a moratorium on new major solid waste disposal permits until new regulations are adopted or until July 1, 2026, and prohibits the construction of new landfill facilities until July 1, 2028. Additionally, it modifies existing laws regarding animal cruelty, stipulating that confiscation of animals can only occur if the individual is charged with cruelty or if the animals require protective custody, and requires a state veterinarian to accompany officers in livestock cruelty investigations.

Key legal language changes include the insertion of provisions that require the committee to adopt rules for public notice and establish a solid waste evaluation committee fund for enforcement costs. The bill also emphasizes the need for public interest in solid waste management and streamlines the regulatory framework by repealing outdated provisions. In terms of animal cruelty, the bill ensures that individuals assisting in investigations are protected from liability and outlines the rights of owners regarding confiscated animals. It establishes a committee to review and update animal cruelty statutes, with a report due by November 1, 2025. Overall, SB 302-FN aims to enhance regulatory oversight, improve animal welfare protections, and ensure due process for individuals accused of cruelty.

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