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HB 3544

Relating to water.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ken Helm and 2 co-sponsors

Creates a state-funded program administered by a nonprofit to reimburse up to $1,500 per retired police dog for veterinary care, with eligibility based on service.

Chapter 575, (2025 Laws): Effective date January 1, 2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 3544

Summary of HB3544 — Care for Retired Police Dogs Program Act

Overview

HB3544 proposes a new program within the University of Illinois system to provide stable funding for the veterinary care of retired police dogs. The program would be administered by a not-for-profit corporation selected through a competitive grant process and funded, subject to appropriation, from the Illinois Police K-9 Memorial Fund. The bill also creates reimbursement provisions for former handlers or adopters of retired police dogs, with an annual cap of $1,500 per dog.

Purpose and intent

  • Recognize the critical role of police dogs in law enforcement and corrections, including detection, tracking, and search-and-rescue functions.
  • Establish a dedicated funding stream to ensure ongoing veterinary care for retired police dogs after they leave service.
  • Provide financial assistance to former handlers or adopters for eligible veterinary expenses, helping to offset costs associated with retirement care.

Key provisions

Establishment and administration

  • Creates the Care for Retired Police Dogs Program within the University of Illinois system.
  • The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois must contract with a not-for-profit corporation to administer and manage the program, selected via a competitive grant process.
  • Not-for-profit corporation must meet criteria:
    • Dedicated to the protection or care of retired police dogs.
    • Tax-exempt under 501(c)(3), with at least 5 years of active tax-exempt status.
    • Subject to review/audit by the Auditor General as needed.
    • Demonstrated ability to disseminate information and assist former handlers/adopters in complying with the Act.

Funding and disbursements

  • Funding is subject to appropriations from the Illinois Police K-9 Memorial Fund.
  • The not-for-profit corporation is the disbursing authority for the program.
  • Annual disbursement to reimburse a former handler or adopter for qualifying veterinary care may not exceed $1,500 per dog.
  • Unused funds may be carried over to future years; reimbursement is contingent on available funds in the year.

Eligibility for reimbursement

  • Eligibility criteria for reimbursement (based on service history):
    • The dog retired after serving 5+ years with the agency; or
    • The dog served a total of 5+ years across one or more law enforcement or correctional agencies; or
    • The dog served 3+ years with one or more agencies, sustained a line-of-duty injury, and retired due to that injury.
  • Required documentation:
    • Valid documentation from the relevant agency confirming service/retirement.
    • A valid veterinary invoice for care provided in Illinois and proof of payment by the former handler/adopter.

Administrative provisions

  • Not-for-profit corporation may use up to 10% of appropriated funds for administrative expenses, including salaries and benefits.
  • The Board of Trustees must adopt rules to implement the Act.
  • Includes a conforming change in the Illinois Vehicle Code.

Affected parties

  • Retired police dogs and their handlers/adopters.
  • Law enforcement and correctional agencies that employed the dogs.
  • The University of Illinois system (program host and disbursement administrator).
  • A selected not-for-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status.
  • Auditor General for oversight/audit.

Timeline and status

  • Introduced: February 2025.
  • Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee: current status.
  • May 8, 2025: Public hearing; testimony taken; left pending in committee.
  • Overall, the bill is in committee review with potential further amendments before floor action.

Potential impact

  • Provides a stable, state-supported mechanism to fund veterinary care for retired police dogs.
  • Reduces financial burden on individual handlers/adopters.
  • Promotes welfare and long-term care of working dogs, potentially influencing K-9 program planning and retirement considerations.
  • Funding is contingent on future appropriations, with clear annual caps and oversight.

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

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