This bill mandates the commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food to develop and publish best practices and recommendations for contests involving the capture of pigs. The new section, RSA 644:8-h, outlines that these practices should promote educational, humane, and safe events for contestants, livestock, and viewers. The commissioner is required to consult with livestock farmers, veterinarians, the state fair association, and the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension to create guidelines that cover the handling of pigs during release and capture, supervision of contestants, training for supervisors, and transportation provisions for pigs taken home by contestants. The practices must be published before the 2027 fair season.

The bill does not provide funding or authorize new positions, leading to an indeterminable increase in state expenditures starting in FY 2026. The Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food has indicated that it currently operates at capacity and cannot absorb the additional responsibilities without additional funding, which could range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more annually. The bill aims to ensure the humane treatment of pigs during these contests while also addressing the need for proper oversight and training for participants.