HB577 Summary

• Creates the Clay County Animal Shelter Authority to provide animal control shelter services for dogs and cats, including control, removal, and containment of stray, at-large, or surrendered animals.

• Establishes a 10-member board of directors consisting of residents of Clay County appointed by Clay County Commission members, legislative delegation members, and the mayors of Ashland and Lineville.

• Initial board terms are staggered with 3 members serving 2 years, 3 serving 3 years, and 4 serving 4 years; subsequent terms are 4 years with members limited to serving no more than two 4-year terms.

• Authorizes the authority to contract with governmental and private entities for shelter operation and maintenance, and to solicit and receive contributions, donations, grants, and appropriated funds to be used solely for animal control shelter services.

• Becomes effective immediately upon passage and gubernatorial approval.