SB0061 Summary

• Increases administrative fines for Animal Welfare Act violations: first violation $1,000 (was $500), second violation within 2 years $2,500 (was $1,000), third violation within 2 years $3,000 (was $2,500) with mandatory probationary status.

• Increases licensing fees under the Animal Welfare Act: original licenses for individuals/partnerships/shelters/facilities to $350 (was $25), annual renewal to $100 (was $25), branch office to $100 (was $25), late renewal to $400 (was $40).

• Eliminates separate licensing and fees for foster homes, instead requiring foster homes to operate under written agreements with affiliated animal shelters or animal control facilities.

• Clarifies that organizations maintaining animals solely in foster homes qualify as "animal shelters" under the law.

• Modifies "trap, neuter, return" program terminology to "trap, sterilize, vaccinate for rabies, and return" to reflect current practice, extending liability protections to veterinarians and caretakers under these programs.