HB 141  - AS INTRODUCED

2023 SESSION

23-0676

04/08

HOUSE BILL 141

AN ACT relative to dogs on hiking trails in state parks.

SPONSORS: Rep. Harrington, Straf. 18

COMMITTEE: Resources, Recreation and Development

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ANALYSIS

This bill allows dogs off leash on certain hiking trails in state parks.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

23-0676

04/08

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Three

AN ACT relative to dogs on hiking trails in state parks.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1  New Section; State Park System; Dogs.  Amend RSA 216-A by inserting after section 3-o the following new section:

216-A:3-p  Dogs in State Parks.  On hiking trails where motor vehicles are prohibited, dogs may be off leash if such dogs are under the verbal or physical control of their owner or handler. The owner or handler of such dog shall carry a leash in order to physically restrain and control the dog if necessary. Leashes shall be used on hiking trails when such trail crosses into picnic or camping areas, parking lots, or the area near or surrounding a restroom.  The department may require all dogs to be leashed on certain trails which the department has designated as having unique conditions such high pedestrian traffic, and the department shall post such trails with signage indicating that all dogs must be leashed.  

2  Effective Date.  This act shall take effect upon its passage.