Bill > SB394

This bill establishes a Spay and Neuter Special Fund to address animal overpopulation in Hawaii by creating a new mechanism for funding spaying and neutering services. The bill allows taxpayers to voluntarily designate $5 from their state income tax refund to be deposited into this new special fund, which will be administered by the Department of Budget and Finance. An advisory committee will be formed with representatives from various organizations, including the Hawaiian Humane Society, Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, and an environmental organization, to establish eligibility criteria and procedures for disbursing funds. The primary purpose of the fund is to reduce pet overpopulation and free-roaming cat populations by providing spaying and neutering surgeries and associated veterinary care, with a particular priority given to organizations that practice trap-neuter-release methods. The bill appropriates $50,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support these efforts, with the goal of humanely addressing animal population issues while minimizing suffering and euthanasia rates. The new income tax check-off and fund will take effect on July 1, 2025, applying to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=394&year=2026