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SF2415 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Companion Animal Board establishment, duties transfer, rulemaking authorization, and appropriation

Related bill: HF2490

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The main purpose of this bill is to establish the Companion Animal Board in Minnesota. This new board is tasked with promoting the welfare of companion animals such as cats, dogs, and other pets, and supporting individuals and communities that care for these animals.

Main Provisions

  • Creation of the Companion Animal Board: The board will focus on the welfare of pets, including cats, dogs, and other non-agricultural domesticated animals. It will not have authority over farm animals, wild animals, or racehorses, among others.
  • Board Structure and Responsibilities:
    • The board will have 13 members appointed by the governor, including veterinarians, representatives from animal shelters, and community representatives.
    • It will enforce state laws governing companion animals, oversee the licensing of animal facilities and breeders, and promote responsible pet ownership through education and resources.
  • Services and Resources:
    • The board will assess community and statewide needs related to companion animal welfare and may establish programs or collaborate with other organizations.
    • It will provide grants to support the care and welfare of companion animals. Grants may be used for veterinary services, education, pet care, and other related needs.
  • Reporting: The board is required to report annually to the legislature on the grants distributed and other activities related to companion animals.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill transfers certain duties and responsibilities related to companion animals from other entities to the newly established Companion Animal Board. It also expands the focus on data collection and community collaboration to enhance pet welfare across the state.

Relevant Terms

  • Companion Animal Board
  • Companion animals
  • Animal shelter
  • Animal rescue
  • Veterinary services
  • Licensing and inspection
  • Grant program
  • Pet ownership education
  • Human-animal bond

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toAgriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
April 01, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added
April 01, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Transferral of some duties to the new Companion Animal Board."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "An amendment is being made to section 35.02, subdivision 1, related to state government functions.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustment of authority over certain animal management obligations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "35.02, subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Enhanced regulatory inspection protocols for animal shelters."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amendment modifications in section 347.58, subdivision 4, are focused on regulatory requirements.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification of licensing terms and responsibilities."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "347.58, subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Reference is made to existing definitions of 'companion animal or pet'.",
      "modified": [
        "Aligns definition with new statutory provisions in chapter 346."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "343.20, subdivision 6"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Reference to detailed definition and scope of 'companion animals' under existing law is outlined.",
      "modified": [
        "Inclusion and clarification of species considered as companion animals."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "346.36, subdivision 6"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Reference is made to an existing regulatory framework for certain animals.",
      "modified": [
        "Delineates authority limits of the newly formed Companion Animal Board."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "346.155, subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Reference to definitions of wild animals as outlined in existing regulations.",
      "modified": [
        "Exemption of Companion Animal Board from jurisdiction over wild animals."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97A.015, subdivision 55"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Details guidance for the appointment, compensation, and removal of board members.",
      "modified": [
        "Concretizes terms of service for members of the new Companion Animal Board."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "15.0575"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References existing statutory requirements for grant management and compliance.",
      "modified": [
        "Establishes guidelines for the administration of grants under the Companion Animal Board's jurisdiction."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "16B.97 to 16B.991"
  }
]

Sponsors