HCS HB 2102 -- LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF ANIMAL CARE FACILITIES

SPONSOR:  Munzlinger

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Agri-
Business by a vote of 10 to 0.

This substitute changes the laws regarding the Animal Care
Facilities Act.  In its main provisions, the substitute:

(1)  Removes the exemption for animal shelters from the required
annual licensure fee; and

(2)  Prohibits the Department of Agriculture from retaining,
contracting with, or otherwise utilizing the services of the
personnel of any nonprofit organization for the purpose of
inspecting or licensing a shelter, pound, kennel, breeder, pet
shop, or any animal care facility subject to the provisions of
the act.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Cost on General Revenue Fund of $95,000
in FY 2011, FY 2012, and FY 2013.  Estimated Income on Other
State Funds of $95,000 in FY 2011, FY 2012, and FY 2013.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the money generated by the bill
will allow the Department of Agriculture to hire more inspectors
to honor its statutory responsibility to inspect animal care
facilities.

Testifying for the bill was Representative Munzlinger.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say it strongly supports
the prohibition of the Department of Agriculture to use the
services of any nonprofit organization for the licensing and
inspection of animal care facilities but does not support
increasing the amount licensed breeders are required to pay for
licensure.

Testifying on the bill was Missouri Federation of Animal Owners.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 14, 2010 at 3:13 pm