Bill > HB258

This bill establishes a Statewide Spay and Neuter Assistance Program and Fund, administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation, to help reduce the number of unwanted domestic dogs and cats by providing financial assistance to eligible households for spay and neuter surgeries, presurgical examinations, and vaccinations. The fund will be financed through program receipts from special companion animal spay and neuter license plates, donations, federal or private funding, and interest earned, with a portion of fees from these special plates and voluntary contributions from permanent fund dividends also directed to the fund. The program will reimburse participating veterinarians, clinics, shelters, and nonprofit organizations for providing these services at a reduced cost to pet owners whose household income is at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines, and the department will promote public awareness and report annually to the legislature on the program's activities and finances. Additionally, the bill allows for the creation of special license plates to support the program and enables individuals to contribute a portion of their permanent fund dividend, a yearly payment from the state's oil revenues, to the new spay and neuter fund.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB258