A bill for an act providing for the regulation of commercial establishments possessing or controlling animals other than agricultural animals, providing fees, making appropriations, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ann Meyer

HF 488 regulates commercial establishments handling non-agricultural animals, ensuring humane treatment through inspections, recordkeeping, and penalties for violations.

Subcommittee: Behn, Mommsen and Srinivas.

#animals #commercialestablishments

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HF 488
Title: A bill for an act providing for the regulation of commercial establishments possessing or controlling animals other than agricultural animals, providing fees, making appropriations, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.
Introduced: February 20, 2025
Current Status: Subcommittee: Behn, Mommsen, and Srinivas
Classification: Bill
Subject: Animals, Commercial Establishments

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HF 488 is to establish a regulatory framework for commercial establishments that possess or control animals that are not classified as agricultural animals. This legislation aims to ensure the humane treatment of these animals and to enforce standards of care through inspections, recordkeeping, and penalties for non-compliance.

Key Provisions

Regulatory Authority:

The Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (DALS) is granted the authority to inspect commercial establishments and enforce compliance with animal welfare standards.
DALS can enter premises with reasonable cause, supported by complaints or reports from the USDA.

Recordkeeping Requirements:

Registrants and state licensees must maintain business records in accordance with state law.
Permit holders are not required to maintain records but may do so voluntarily.

Disciplinary Actions:

DALS can suspend or revoke the authorization of a commercial establishment for violations of animal welfare regulations.
Continuing education programs may be mandated for owners, operators, or employees of these establishments.

Penalties:

Civil penalties can be imposed for violations of regulations, with a maximum of $500 per day for authorized establishments failing to meet standards of care.
For operating without authorization, penalties can reach up to $1,000 per day.

Standard of Care:

The bill reiterates that animal cruelty is defined under Code chapter 717B, establishing a legal standard for care that must be met by commercial establishments.

Impact

Affected Parties:

This bill will primarily impact commercial establishments that handle non-agricultural animals, including pet stores, zoos, and animal shelters.
It will also affect the DALS, which will have increased responsibilities for monitoring and enforcing compliance.

Public Welfare:

The legislation aims to enhance animal welfare by ensuring that commercial establishments adhere to humane treatment standards, thereby protecting animals from neglect and abuse.

Procedural Aspects

The bill was introduced and referred to the Agriculture Committee on February 20, 2025.

A subcommittee consisting of members Behn, Mommsen, and Srinivas was formed to review the bill on February 24, 2025.

This summary provides an overview of HF 488, highlighting its objectives, key provisions, and potential impacts on animal welfare and commercial establishments.

Bill