HI HB547

Establishes the Spay and Neuter Special Fund administered by the Department of Budget and Finance to reduce pet overpopulation and free-roaming cat reproduction by funding spaying/neutering surgeries and associated veterinary care

Creates a five-member advisory committee appointed by the Director of Finance, including representatives from the Department of Budget and Finance, Hawaii Animal Welfare Association, Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, and a private nonprofit animal welfare organization, to establish eligibility criteria for fund disbursements

Authorizes special license plates supporting the Spay and Neuter Special Fund, with fundraising fees from plate purchases and renewals deposited into the fund; plates may be revoked if fewer than 150 are issued within three years

Allows taxpayers to designate $5 of their state income tax refund ($10 for joint filers) to be deposited into the Spay and Neuter Special Fund through a new income tax check-off option

Appropriates unspecified amounts from general revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to be deposited into the special fund, with an effective date of July 1, 3000