AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER OF STATE - ANIMAL RESCUE SHELTERS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

2025 Regular Session

House Bill 1110 allocates $50,000 to city and county animal rescue shelters in Arkansas, enhancing their services and improving animal welfare through operational support.

Notification that HB1110 is now Act 6

Overview

House Bill 1110, titled "AN ACT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER OF STATE - ANIMAL RESCUE SHELTERS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR," was introduced on January 13, 2025, and has been enacted as Act 6. The bill aims to allocate funds to support animal rescue shelters in Arkansas for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 1110 is to provide financial support to both city and county animal rescue shelters. This funding is intended to enhance the personal services, grants, construction, maintenance, and operational capabilities of registered governmentally owned animal rescue shelters across the state.

Key Provisions

Appropriations: The bill appropriates a total of $50,000 from the Animal Rescue and Shelter Trust Fund, divided as follows:

City Animal Rescue Shelters: $25,000
County Animal Rescue Shelters: $25,000

Compliance with Laws: The disbursement of funds is subject to compliance with various state laws, including the State Procurement Law and the General Accounting and Budgetary Procedures Law. This ensures that the funds are used appropriately and transparently.

Legislative Intent: The General Assembly emphasizes that the funds should be utilized in accordance with the reasons outlined in the budget manuals and other official documents related to the bill's passage.

Emergency Clause: An emergency clause is included, stating that the act will take effect on July 1, 2025. This is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, and safety, ensuring that the appropriations are available for the operation of animal rescue shelters without delay.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1110 is expected to positively impact local municipalities and counties by providing them with the necessary funds to improve their animal rescue services. This funding will help enhance the welfare of animals in shelters, support operational needs, and potentially increase the capacity for animal care and adoption services.

Legislative Timeline

January 13, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.

January 22, 2025: Considered in the Committee of the Whole; recommended to pass.

January 23, 2025: Passed by both the House and Senate; emergency clause adopted.

January 27, 2025: Notification that HB 1110 is now Act 6.

In summary, HB 1110 represents a legislative effort to bolster animal rescue efforts in Arkansas through targeted financial support, ensuring that shelters can operate effectively and provide necessary services to animals in need.

Bill