H1042 Summary: Vet Care for Retired Law Enforcement Dogs

• Establishes a veterinary care reimbursement program for retired law enforcement canines through the Department of Public Safety, covering dogs that retired on or after July 1, 2024 and received certification from nationally recognized organizations.

• Covers reimbursements up to $1,500 per state fiscal year for eligible veterinary services including wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, illness treatment, medications, emergency care, surgeries, specialty care, euthanasia, and cremation, but excludes elective surgery.

• Requires owners to submit reimbursement applications within 90 days of veterinary care and establishes a Retired Law Enforcement Canine Fund within the Department of Public Safety to distribute awards.

• Appropriates $300,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Retired Law Enforcement Canine Fund for fiscal year 2024-2025.

• Takes effect July 1, 2024.