HF2490 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Companion Animal Board established, and money appropriated.
Related bill: SF2415
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The bill aims to establish the Companion Animal Board to oversee the welfare of pets, such as cats, dogs, and other domesticated animals, in Minnesota. The board will coordinate efforts to promote the humane treatment of companion animals and foster the human-animal bond.
Main Provisions
Creation of the Companion Animal Board: A new board is formed to manage duties related to companion animals. It will have 13 members appointed by the governor, representing various groups including veterinarians, animal shelters, and community leaders.
Authority and Jurisdiction: The board will oversee companion animals but will not have authority over livestock, wild animals, racehorses, or regulated animals under existing agricultural laws.
Board Duties:
- Enforce state laws concerning the licensing and inspection of animal shelters, kennels, and breeders.
- Promote responsible pet ownership through educational campaigns and outreach.
- Identify and address community needs for animal welfare services.
- Administer grants to support animal welfare initiatives, including veterinary services, shelter management, and public education related to pet care.
Grants Program: The board will manage a grant program to fund projects that improve animal welfare and support its other responsibilities. This includes financial assistance, training, and capital expenses related to pet care.
Annual Reports: The board is required to publish an annual report detailing its activities, including grant allocations and outcomes, by January 15 each year.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill proposes the transfer of certain responsibilities and duties related to animal welfare to the newly established Companion Animal Board. It introduces a focused governance structure to address issues specifically related to companion animals, separate from traditional agricultural and wildlife management mandates.
Relevant Terms
companion animals, animal welfare, Companion Animal Board, animal shelters, animal rescues, veterinary services, grant program, pet care, domesticated animals, human-animal bond.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 16, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | State Government Finance and Policy |
| March 23, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This amendment involves the duties of the Board of Animal Health organization in relation to animal health under section 35.02.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "35.02",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill references the definition of 'companion animal or pet' related to animal welfare regulations in section 346.36.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "346.36",
"subdivision": "subdivision 6"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Regulation and definition for regulated animals under section 346.155, spelling out exemptions.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "346.155",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Defines 'wild animals' as affected by the bill text under section 97A.015.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "97A.015",
"subdivision": "subdivision 55"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "The bill delineates the separation of authority between the Companion Animal Board and the Board of Veterinary Medicine under chapter 156.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "156",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This portion involves enforcement related to the licensing and inspection of cat and dog kennels under sections 347.31 to 347.40.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "347.31 to 347.40",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Addresses enforcement related to the licensing and inspection of commercial breeders between sections 347.57 to 347.65.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "347.57 to 347.65",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Relates to the governance, terms, compensation, and removal process of board members under section 15.0575.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "15.0575",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Concerns grant administration compliance rules under sections 16B.97 to 16B.991.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "16B.97 to 16B.991",
"subdivision": ""
}
]