Rural Animal Shelter Investment Act

119th Congress Introduced by Shomari Figures and 1 co-sponsor

Designates rural animal shelters as essential community facilities eligible for direct loans and grants under the Community Facility program.

Introduced in House

Overview

Bill: HR 8527 – Rural Animal Shelter Investment Act

Session: 119th Congress

Purpose: Amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to designate animal shelters as essential community facilities eligible for direct loans and grants under the Community Facility Direct Loan and Grant Program.

Introduced: April 27, 2026

Introducers: Rep. Jefferson Shreve (and Rep. Shomari Figures) with a House co-sponsorship listing

Current status: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture

Main purpose and intent

The bill seeks to formally recognize animal shelters as “essential community facilities” for purposes of the Community Facility Direct Loan and Grant Program.

By designating shelters as essential facilities, shelters would be eligible to participate in the direct loan and grant programs administered under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, enabling potential federal financing and assistance.

Key provisions and changes

Section 2 (Eligibility Amendment):

Adds a new subsection to Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.
New designation: “ANIMAL SHELTER CONSIDERED AN ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY FACILITY” for the purpose of the essential community facilities loan and grant programs.
This designation makes animal shelters eligible recipients of direct loans and grants that are already available to other essential community facilities (e.g., infrastructure, health clinics, public safety facilities) under the program.

Section 3 (Effective Date):

The amendment takes effect 180 days after enactment of the Act.
This provides a transition period before animal shelters can begin to access the expanded loan/grant eligibility.

Who is affected

Primary beneficiaries: Animal shelters located in rural areas that qualify for the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act programs.

Secondary beneficiaries: Rural communities and stakeholders relying on animal shelters for public health, safety, welfare, and emergency response support, as well as organizations administering or applying for Community Facility Direct Loans and Grants.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Legislative path: Introduced in House and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.

Effective date: 180 days after enactment.

Considerations for applicants: With designation as essential facilities, shelters in eligible rural areas could pursue direct loans and grants previously limited to other facility types, potentially simplifying financing for expansion, construction, equipment, or rehabilitation projects.

Potential impact

Access to federal financing: Rural animal shelters could obtain direct loans or grants to purchase, renovate, or expand facilities and services.

Community benefits: Improved shelter capacity may enhance animal welfare, public health, and community safety in rural regions.

Administrative considerations: Agencies administering the Community Facility program would incorporate animal shelters into eligibility criteria, potentially affecting application processes and funding availability.

Note: The summary reflects the bill text as introduced and does not account for potential amendments or changes that could occur during committee consideration or floor action.