This bill introduces Chapter 167-E, which establishes certification standards for certified public safety comfort dogs, their handlers, and handling teams in New Hampshire. It defines essential terms such as "certified public safety comfort dog," "certified public safety comfort dog handler," and "certified public safety comfort dog team," while outlining the training requirements necessary for both dogs and handlers. These requirements include obtaining specific American Kennel Club certificates and ongoing training to ensure effective crisis response. The bill mandates that emergency response or public safety agencies maintain detailed training records for these comfort dogs, documenting the dates and types of training conducted.

Furthermore, the legislation specifies that each certified public safety comfort dog team must complete designated training and certification requirements, including retesting every three years. It emphasizes the dogs' roles in critical incident stress management and community support, while also requiring compliance with state and local ordinances regarding licensing and rabies certification. The bill prohibits interference with certified teams and outlines care requirements for the dogs, such as confinement during travel and collar restrictions during testing. Additionally, it mandates that agencies implement a retirement policy for comfort dogs that cannot meet the established standards. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage. No deletions from current law are included in this bill, as it introduces comprehensive new provisions.