RELATING TO ANIMAL CONTROL.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Luke Evslin and 5 co-sponsors

HB 364 requires cat breeders to obtain permits, mandates sterilization to reduce overpopulation, and establishes a fund to support spay/neuter programs, enhancing animal control.

The committee(s) on JHA recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.

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Purpose and Intent

House Bill 364 (HB 364) aims to enhance animal control measures within the state by introducing regulations related to the breeding of cats, promoting sterilization, and establishing a funding mechanism to support these initiatives. The bill seeks to address issues related to overpopulation of cats and improve public health and safety through responsible pet ownership.

Key Provisions

HB 364 includes several significant provisions:

Breeding Cat Permit:

Establishes a requirement for individuals or entities that breed cats to obtain a permit. This aims to regulate and monitor cat breeding practices.

Cat Sterilization:

Mandates sterilization for cats to reduce the population of stray and unwanted animals. This provision is intended to promote responsible pet ownership and decrease the number of cats entering shelters.

Spay and Neuter Special Fund:

Creates a special fund dedicated to spay and neuter programs. This fund would be financed through an income check-off system, allowing taxpayers to contribute a portion of their tax refund to support sterilization efforts.

County Responsibilities:

Assigns specific responsibilities to counties regarding the enforcement of these regulations, ensuring that local governments play an active role in animal control.

Impact

The implementation of HB 364 would primarily affect:

Cat Owners and Breeders: Individuals involved in breeding cats will need to comply with new permit requirements and sterilization mandates.

Local Governments: Counties will be tasked with enforcing the new regulations and managing the special fund for spay and neuter programs.

Animal Welfare Organizations: These organizations may see increased support and funding for their sterilization initiatives, potentially leading to a decrease in the number of stray cats.

Procedural Timeline

Introduced: January 16, 2025

First Reading: January 17, 2025

Committee Referrals: Referred to the Committees on Consumer Protection & Commerce (CPC), Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs (JHA), and Finance (FIN).

Committee Actions:

January 29, 2025: CPC recommended the bill pass with amendments.
February 6, 2025: Passed Second Reading as amended and referred to JHA.
February 12, 2025: JHA recommended that the measure be deferred.

Conclusion

HB 364 represents a proactive approach to managing the cat population and promoting responsible pet ownership through regulation and funding. While it has been deferred by the JHA committee, the bill's provisions highlight a commitment to improving animal control measures in the state. Further discussions and potential amendments may shape its future as it progresses through the legislative process.

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