Bill > HB1299

This bill creates a voluntary tax refund donation program for the Animal Protection Fund, allowing Colorado taxpayers to contribute a portion of their income tax refund to support the care of pet animals and livestock during emergencies or in cases of cruelty and neglect. The bill amends existing statutes to establish this new voluntary contribution option on state income tax returns and creates a legislative declaration explaining the purpose of the fund. The declaration highlights that people may be reluctant to evacuate during emergencies if it means leaving their pets behind, and that removing animals from cruelty situations can be costly due to veterinary care, feeding, and shelter expenses. The bill requires the Department of Revenue to track and report the total contributions, which will be credited to the Animal Protection Fund, and provides for an initial appropriation of $11,606 to the department to cover administrative costs in the 2025-26 fiscal year. The voluntary contribution program does not require a minimum amount of donations each year and is intended to provide a sustainable funding mechanism for agencies and organizations working with the Department of Agriculture to care for animals in crisis situations.

Budget and Finance

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1299