Bill > SB394

This bill establishes a Spay and Neuter Special Fund in Hawaii to address pet overpopulation and reduce the number of free-roaming cats. The fund will be administered by the Department of Budget and Finance and will receive money from two primary sources: state income tax refund designations (where taxpayers can choose to donate $5 of their refund) and other appropriations. An advisory committee will be created to help establish eligibility criteria for fund usage, with priority given to organizations that practice trap-neuter-release. The committee will include representatives from various organizations such as the Hawaiian Humane Society, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, an animal welfare organization, an environmental organization, and a member of the general public. The fund's money will be specifically used to provide spaying and neutering surgeries and associated veterinary care, with a focus on humanely reducing pet overpopulation and free-roaming cat populations. The bill also appropriates $50,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support these efforts, reflecting the legislature's recognition that pet overpopulation contributes to animal suffering and that spaying and neutering are proven methods to reduce euthanasia rates.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=394&year=2025