establishing procedures for expedited court hearings and disposition of confiscated animals.

The bill header and status designation changed from 'AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE' to 'VERSION ADOPTED BY BOTH BODIES,' reflecting that the bill completed its legislative process and was adopted by both chambers. This is a procedural status update, not a policy change.

The entire bond or security requirement was deleted. The Senate version allowed courts to require defendants to post a bond of up to $1,000 per animal within 30 days, with forfeiture of the animals to the arresting officer or agency if unpaid (extendable by up to 15 days for good cause). The House removed all of this.

The standard for validating a confiscation changed from whether it 'was legal' to whether it 'was lawful in accordance with paragraph IV-a,' tying the court's determination to a specific statutory provision rather than a general legality test.

The custody determination at the hearing is now explicitly labeled 'temporary custody' rather than just 'custody,' clarifying that the court's ruling does not establish permanent ownership or custody arrangements.

The hearing's scope changed from being strictly 'limited to whether the impounding was authorized' to having as 'a purpose' determining whether confiscation was legal, meaning the court is no longer confined to that single question.

New language allows the court to address any other matters raised by either party or in the interests of justice, and permits the hearing to include the defendant's arraignment upon request or court order.

The provision that neither the result of the hearing nor statements made at it would be admissible in a related criminal prosecution was entirely removed, meaning what happens at this hearing could now potentially be used against the defendant in criminal proceedings.

Language changed from 'disposition' and 'transfer of interest in property' to 'custody' throughout, shifting the focus from property rights to animal custody specifically.

New sentence clarifies that nothing in the bond/security provisions negates any payment requirement under RSA 435:16, preserving existing financial obligations.

The no-show provision changed from referring to 'the owner' to 'the accused,' and clarified that prior notice must be given within 3 days of the hearing date (or evidence of emergent circumstances if less than 3 days).