HB 1488 New Hampshire House · 2026 Regular Session

relative to rabies vaccines for animals.

HB 1488 allows veterinarians to issue rabies vaccine exemptions for dogs, cats, and ferrets under specific conditions. It requires veterinarians to perform rabies antibody titer testing before and 7-14 days after initial vaccination to prove immunity, rather than relying solely on vaccination. This exemption process - valid for one year and requiring annual renewal - applies to animals with medical conditions preventing vaccination or those demonstrating sufficient immunity through testing. Animals exempted due to medical conditions must remain isolated and leashed, while those with proven immunity face no such restrictions. The bill directly affects pet owners needing exemptions, veterinarians issuing recommendations, and local rabies control authorities enforcing requirements.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Dec 10, 2025 Last action Mar 11, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
3
Committee
3
Mar 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee Report: Refer for Interim Study 03/03/2026 (Vote 11-2; CC) HC 10 P. 17
lower
Feb 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Full Committee Work Session: 03/03/2026 10:15 am GP 153
lower
Feb 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
Full Committee Work Session: 02/24/2026 10:00 am GP 153
lower
Dec 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Environment and Agriculture HJ 1 P. 22
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors