Bill > SB1023

This bill establishes a Spay and Neuter Special Fund to address animal overpopulation in Hawaii by creating multiple funding mechanisms and an administrative framework. The fund will be administered by the Department of Budget and Finance and can receive money from state income tax refund designations (where taxpayers can choose to donate $5), special number plates with a fundraising fee, legislative appropriations, private donations, and other sources. An advisory committee consisting of five members from various animal welfare organizations will help establish eligibility criteria for fund disbursements, with a focus on providing spaying and neutering surgeries and associated veterinary care to reduce pet and free-roaming cat populations. The bill also authorizes the creation of special number plates that recognize animal spaying and neutering, with a portion of the plate fees going into the special fund. The advisory committee will be required to submit an annual report detailing fund disbursements and will serve without pay but be reimbursed for expenses. The bill aims to humanely address animal overpopulation by providing financial resources for spay and neuter services across Hawaii's counties.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1023&year=2026