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HB 3140

FOIA Database

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Clark and 10 co-sponsors

Creates a funded program under UI to reimburse eligible retired police dogs’ veterinary care, up to $1,500/year per dog, via a nonprofit administrator.

To House Judiciary
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Bill Summary · HB 3140

Summary — HB 3140 (Public Act 104-0276): Care for Retired Police Dogs Program Act

Purpose

Establishes a state program to provide a stable funding source for veterinary care of retired police dogs in Illinois and to create an administrative structure to disburse those funds.

Key provisions

  • Creates the "Care for Retired Police Dogs Program" administered under the University of Illinois system.
  • The University of Illinois Board of Trustees must select, via competitive grant, a qualifying not‑for‑profit (must be a 501(c)(3) for at least 5 years, dedicated to retired police dogs, subject to Auditor General review, and able to assist handlers/adopters) to be the disbursing authority and program administrator.
  • Grants to former handlers or adopters reimburse veterinary care expenses (as defined broadly to include wellness care, vaccinations, parasite prevention, testing/treatment, emergency care/surgery, specialty care, euthanasia, cremation, etc.) for eligible retired police dogs.
  • Eligibility: the retired dog must have served (as verified by the agency from which it retired) either (A) 5+ years with that agency, (B) a total of 5+ years across two or more agencies, or (C) 3+ years and retired due to a line‑of‑duty injury. Reimbursement requires (1) agency verification and (2) a valid Illinois veterinarian invoice plus proof that the invoice was paid by the handler or adopter.
  • Reimbursement cap: up to $1,500 per dog per year; no carryover of unused annual amounts. Reimbursements are subject to available appropriations; if funds are depleted for a year, no reimbursement is available.
  • Administrative expenses: the contracted nonprofit may use up to 10% of appropriated funds each fiscal year for administrative costs (including salaries/benefits).
  • Rulemaking: the University of Illinois Board of Trustees must adopt rules to implement the Act.

Funding

Funds are provided by appropriations from the Illinois Police K-9 Memorial Fund to the University of Illinois for program implementation and then grantees. (Earlier drafts referenced alternate funding mechanisms; the enrolled/public act ties funding to the Illinois Police K-9 Memorial Fund and subject to General Assembly appropriations.)

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: former handlers and private adopters of eligible retired police dogs and the retired police dogs themselves.
  • Administrators: University of Illinois and the selected nonprofit grantee.
  • Law enforcement and correctional agencies: provide service documentation verifying eligibility.
  • Illinois veterinarians: provide invoices for reimbursable services rendered in Illinois.

Timeline / Legislative history

  • Filed: Feb 21, 2025 (introduced Feb 18/21 filings)
  • Passed both houses: May 31, 2025
  • Sent to Governor: June 24, 2025
  • Governor approved: Aug 15, 2025
  • Effective date: January 1, 2026
  • Enacted as Public Act 104-0276.

Notes / Limitations

  • Reimbursements are conditioned on available appropriated funds and may be limited in any fiscal year.
  • The Act permits up to 10% for administrative overhead, and the nonprofit is subject to audit by the Auditor General.
  • The Act also amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to address “Illinois Police K-9 Memorial” license plates; specific plate fee/distribution language appears in the statute (text in the public file was truncated).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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