HB3343 Summary

• Amends Section 7 of the Animal Welfare Act to change the Department of Agriculture's authority from "shall not be required to" audit intake and outcome statistics to "may" audit or validate those statistics for license renewals.

• Amends Section 21 to create a reduced annual renewal license fee for animal shelters that meet specified requirements.

• Animal shelters qualify for reduced renewal fees by demonstrating: collaboration with a tax-exempt rescue group under IRC Section 501(c)(3); a comprehensive adoption program with off-site events and incentives; innovative pet retention strategies including counseling and resource referrals; and public relations efforts to increase adoptions, donations, or volunteer recruitment.

• Requires the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules to implement the reduced fee provisions.

• Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.