Bill
Bill > HB2297
KS HB2297
Authorizing the animal health commissioner to issue permits for raccoon ownership and requiring vaccinations, annual check-ups, educational program completion and compliance with breeding restrictions.
summary
Introduced
02/05/2025
02/05/2025
In Committee
02/05/2025
02/05/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT concerning animals; authorizing the animal health commissioner to issue permits for raccoon ownership; mandating that such raccoons be vaccinated against rabies and other diseases and undergo annual veterinary checkups; prohibiting persons from breeding raccoons in captivity unless any such person is federally licensed for such purpose; requiring the completion of an educational program on raccoon care before permit issuance; implementing public awareness campaigns; allowing inspections of permittee premises once per year unless violations or complaints arise; providing for rehoming or euthanasia of a raccoon if a permittee is unfit to care therefor; prohibiting local regulations that are stricter than state law regarding raccoon ownership; authorizing the commissioner to set fees for applications, renewals, inspections and transfers, with fines for violations; allowing for appeal or deferment of permit fees in extraordinary circumstances, with potential fee waivers for ownership transfers.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for raccoon ownership in Kansas, requiring individuals to obtain a permit from the animal health commissioner before possessing a raccoon as a pet. Permit applicants must complete an educational program about raccoon care, and permitted raccoons must be vaccinated against rabies and other diseases, with mandatory annual veterinary checkups. The bill prohibits breeding raccoons in captivity unless the owner holds a federal license, and allows the animal health commissioner to inspect permittee premises annually or in response to violations or complaints. If a permittee is deemed unfit to care for a raccoon, the commissioner will attempt to rehome the animal or, if necessary, pursue euthanasia. The bill sets specific fees for permit applications, renewals, and inspections, ranging from $75 to $250, and imposes a $1,000 fine for violations resulting in raccoon seizure. In extraordinary circumstances such as financial hardship or medical emergencies, permittees may appeal fees or request fee deferrals. The bill also preempts local governments from implementing stricter raccoon ownership regulations, ensuring a uniform state-wide approach to raccoon ownership and welfare.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Agriculture and Natural Resources (H)
Last Action
House Hearing: Monday, February 17, 2025, 3:30 PM Room 112-N (on 02/17/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2297/ |
| Fiscal Note - Ficsal Note: As introduced | https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/fisc_note_hb2297_00_0000.pdf |
| BillText | https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/hb2297_00_0000.pdf |
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