Bill > HB148

This bill establishes a new tax refund designation for a companion animal fund that will help low-income individuals spay and neuter their pets. The bill creates the Ohio Pet Fund, a nonprofit organization composed of veterinarians, animal shelters, and other animal welfare professionals, which will manage the fund and establish eligibility criteria for both organizations and individuals seeking financial assistance. To qualify for subsidized sterilization services, pet owners must either have a family income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guideline or be recipients of specific government assistance programs such as low-income housing, Medicaid, veterans' benefits, or supplemental nutrition assistance. The bill allows Ohio taxpayers to voluntarily contribute a portion of their tax refund to the companion animal fund when filing their income tax returns, with the funds being used specifically to support spaying and neutering programs for low-income pet owners. The Ohio Pet Fund will be responsible for establishing application procedures, disbursing funds, and advertising the availability of financial assistance to eligible organizations and individuals.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb148