New Hampshire SB 410: relative to possession of human remains for law enforcement training purposes.

Bill Text

SB 410 - AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE

01/29/2026 0098s

2026 SESSION

 26-2178

 09/08

SENATE BILL 410

AN ACT relative to possession of human remains for law enforcement training purposes. 

SPONSORS: Sen. Gannon, Dist 23; Sen. Rosenwald, Dist 13; Sen. Innis, Dist 7; Sen. Birdsell, Dist 19; Sen. Lang, Dist 2; Sen. Avard, Dist 12; Sen. McGough, Dist 11; Sen. Murphy, Dist 16; Sen. Pearl, Dist 17; Rep. Bernardy, Rock. 36; Rep. Porcelli, Rock. 19; Rep. L. Miner, Rock. 7; Rep. M. Pearson, Rock. 34

COMMITTEE: Judiciary

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ANALYSIS

 This bill authorizes law enforcement to possess human remains, upon written consent, for the purpose of training cadaver dogs.

 This bill is a request of the department of safety.

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 Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

01/29/2026 0098s 26-2178

 09/08

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six

AN ACT relative to possession of human remains for law enforcement training purposes. 

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

 1 Purpose. This chapter establishes the legal framework under which law enforcement agencies in the state of New Hampshire may possess portions of human remains for the sole purpose of training cadaver detection canines, while ensuring compliance with ethical standards and respect for the deceased.

 2 New Chapter; Possession of Human Remains for Law Enforcement Purposes. Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 291-A the following new chapter: 

CHAPTER 291-B

POSSESSION OF HUMAN REMAINS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PURPOSES

 291-B:1 Definitions.

 As used in this chapter: 

 I. “Cadaver canine” means a dog trained to detect the scent of human remains for law enforcement purposes. 

 II. “Portions of human remains” shall mean identifiable human tissue, bone, or other anatomical material derived from a deceased individual. 

 291-B:2 Authorization and Consent to Possess Human Remains for Law Enforcement Training. 

 I. Law enforcement agencies may possess portions of human remains for cadaver canine training only under the following conditions: 

 (a) Written consent is obtained from: 

 (1) The next of kin or legal representative of the deceased;?or 

 (2) The deceased individual, prior to death, through a legally valid document expressing their intent to donate their body or portions thereof for scientific or law enforcement training purposes. 

 (b) The consent explicitly authorizes the use of the remains for training purposes and identifies the specific portions to be used. 

 II. The written consent shall be maintained by both the law enforcement agency and the funeral home or mortuary involved. Such documentation shall be made available for inspection by the law enforcement agency or other regulatory authorities upon request. 

 291-B:3 Conduct During Possession of Human Remains; Return. 

 I. Upon completion of training, all remaining portions of the human remains shall be returned to either: 

 (a) The institution of higher education located in New Hampshire that assisted in the preparation of the training aids; or

 (b) A company licensed to conduct human medical waste disposal in New Hampshire. Such companies shall be authorized by the New Hampshire department of environmental services to collect, transport, and dispose of regulated medical waste in compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations. 

 II. The funeral home or mortuary shall ensure the proper and lawful disposition of the remains in accordance with RSA 290 and other applicable laws. 

 III. Institutions of higher education located in New Hampshire may assist in the preparation of training aids derived from human remains for law enforcement purposes, provided that: 

 (a) The institution employs or contracts with a properly trained and credentialed medical professional, including a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in a relevant anatomical or forensic science field, a doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.), or a doctor of medicine (M.D.), who shall oversee the preparation process. 

 (b) The preparation of the training aid occurs on-site at a licensed funeral home or mortuary, with the consent of the funeral director and in accordance with all applicable health and safety regulations. 

 (c) The institution maintains a written agreement with the law enforcement agency requesting the training aid, outlining the scope of work, handling procedures, and chain of custody for the remains. 

 (d) All activities are conducted in compliance with the consent requirements outlined in RSA 291-B:2, I and II.