Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Rural Development, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Committee |
SSB 5004
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Allowing animal care and control agencies and nonprofit humane societies to provide additional veterinary services to low-income households.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Cleveland, Rivers, Conway, Fortunato, Frockt, Palumbo, Rolfes, Saldaña and Kuderer).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/15/19
Staff: Rebecca Lewis (786-7339).
Background:
Animal care and control agencies and nonprofit humane societies registered with the Department of Health may provide limited veterinary care services for animals owned by qualified low-income households. Limited veterinary services are sterilization, vaccination, and electronic identification. These facilities may also provide care on an emergency basis subject to local ordinances. The Washington Veterinary Board of Governors administers the registration program and may suspend or revoke a facility's license for any act of noncompliance.
A qualified low-income household is a single person, family, or unrelated persons living together whose adjusted income is less than 80 percent of the median family income, adjusted for household size, for the county where the household is located.
Summary of Bill:
Animal care and control agencies and nonprofit humane societies registered with the Department of Health may provide veterinary care services for animals owned by qualified low-income households not limited to sterilization, vaccination, and electronic identification. Emergency care that may be provided is changed to include emergency care to any animal where prompt care is necessary to prevent death or permanent injury to the animal. Additionally, animal care and control agencies and nonprofit humane societies may provide veterinary care for sick animals up to 30 days postadoption.
The Washington Veterinary Board of Governors must establish annual reporting requirements demonstrating that animal care and control agencies and nonprofit humane societies are serving only low-income households.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.