HB 2593 Summary

• Allows nonprofit animal care or rescue groups to register and oversee caregivers of free-roaming cats in implementing the trap-sterilize-return-manage process as an alternative to euthanasia.

• Exempts registered caregivers from state and county laws prohibiting feeding of stray cats, mandating cat confinement, and limiting the number of cats a person may own or harbor.

• Requires registered caregivers to sterilize, microchip, and ear-tip or ear-notch free-roaming cats under their care, remove socialized kittens for adoption, and provide veterinary care when possible.

• Mandates animal care or rescue groups to maintain caregiver records, submit annual reports to the legislature on registered caregivers and colony statistics, distribute humane traps, and monitor caregiver compliance.

• Takes effect January 1, 2018, and automatically repeals December 31, 2022; requires a five-year summary report to the legislature before the 2023 regular session.