HB 1741 Summary

• Authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to register animal shelters under the Controlled Substances Act for obtaining and using sodium pentobarbital and other approved drugs for animal euthanasia, with a maximum registration fee of $150.

• Permits certified euthanasia technicians to possess and administer euthanasia drugs to dogs and cats on animal shelter premises only.

• Requires the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to establish rules for certification of euthanasia technicians, including written and practical examinations, recertification requirements, and minimum qualification standards.

• Authorizes the Department to deny, revoke, or suspend euthanasia technician certification for felony convictions (especially drug-related), animal abuse convictions, false statements on applications, or violations of euthanasia rules.

• Requires applicants for euthanasia technician certification to submit fingerprints and consent to state and federal criminal background checks, with fees collected and remitted to the Department of Justice; becomes effective October 1, 2010.