summary
Introduced
02/09/2026
02/09/2026
In Committee
02/09/2026
02/09/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Sunset Process - House Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources Committee. The bill implements the recommendations of the department of regulatory agencies in its 2025 sunset review of the "Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act" (PACFA) as follows: ! Sections 1 and 2 of the bill continue the commissioner of agriculture's (commissioner) function of licensing pet animal facilities in accordance with the PACFA for 15 years, until 2041; ! Section 3 amends the PACFA's pet animal advisory committee (committee) membership structure by requiring the commissioner, on and after January 1, 2027, to appoint members with certain specifications. Section 3 also specifies that members appointed to the committee on and after January 1, 2027, may serve no more than consecutive terms of 4 years. ! Section 4 prohibits the importation of certain pet animals into the state without a valid certificate of veterinary inspection issued by an accredited veterinarian in the state of origin within 10 days prior to the pet animal's arrival in Colorado; ! Section 5 clarifies that the commissioner is authorized to adopt rules extending the required minimum holding periods for pet animals held by or in the custody of a licensed animal shelter; ! Section 6 removes the current maximum fee amount of $700 for pet animal facility license application fees and permits the commissioner to establish the fee amount by rule, which amount must be based on the direct and indirect costs of processing license applications; ! Section 7 raises the maximum civil penalty amount for a violation of the PACFA or of a rule adopted pursuant to the PACFA from $1,000 per violation to $2,500 per violation; ! Section 8 states that a person that chooses to request a hearing in response to a cease-and-desist order issued by the commissioner for a violation of the PACFA or of a rule adopted pursuant to the PACFA must do so within 30 days after the issuance of the cease-and-desist order; and ! Section 9 relocates the statute that establishes the pet overpopulation authority (authority) so the authority is no longer subject to sunset review as part of the PACFA. Sections 10 through 13 make conforming amendments.
AI Summary
This bill extends the "Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act" (PACFA) for 15 years, until 2041, continuing the Commissioner of Agriculture's role in licensing pet animal facilities. It also modifies the Pet Animal Advisory Committee (committee) by changing its membership structure and limiting consecutive terms to four years, effective January 1, 2027. The bill requires a valid veterinary inspection certificate, issued within 10 days prior to arrival, for importing certain pet animals into Colorado, excluding reptiles, fish, and rodents. Additionally, it grants the Commissioner authority to extend minimum holding periods for pet animals in licensed shelters and removes the $700 cap on license application fees, allowing the Commissioner to set fees based on administrative costs. The maximum civil penalty for violating PACFA or its rules is increased from $1,000 to $2,500 per violation, and individuals must request a hearing within 30 days of receiving a cease-and-desist order. Finally, the bill relocates the statute establishing the Pet Overpopulation Authority, removing it from PACFA's sunset review.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Hearing (13:30:00 3/9/2026 Room 0107) (on 03/09/2026)
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://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1183 |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/111544/download |
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