Arkansas House Bill HB1059

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/23
• Refer: 1/9/23
• Report Pass: 2/7/23
• Engrossed: 2/8/23
• Enrolled: 2/14/23
• Chaptered: 2/17/23
• Passed: 2/17/23

Caption

An Act For The Office Of The Treasurer Of State - Animal Rescue Shelters Appropriation For The 2023-2024 Fiscal Year.

Impact

The passage of HB 1059 is expected to have a significant impact on local animal rescue operations, allowing for enhanced support in addressing animal welfare issues in various communities. By securing state funding, cities and counties will have additional resources at their disposal to improve shelter conditions, promote animal adoption programs, and ensure that rescue operations can meet the demands of the local populations. This can lead to better outcomes for abandoned, homeless, or abused animals throughout Arkansas.

Summary

House Bill 1059 is focused on making appropriations for animal rescue shelters within the state, specifically allocating funds to support both city and county government-operated shelters for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The bill aims to provide financial resources amounting to $25,000 for each municipal and county shelter, sourced from the Animal Rescue and Shelter Trust Fund. This financial backing is intended for personal services, construction, maintenance, and operation of these shelters, ensuring essential animal welfare services are supported across the state.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 1059 appears to be positive, with widespread support from animal advocacy groups and legislators who recognize the importance of state involvement in animal welfare. There has been an acknowledgment of the need for enhanced funding to alleviate the burdens on local shelters that operate often on limited budgets. While there may be some concerns regarding the efficiency of fund allocation, the general reception of this bill suggests an agreement on prioritizing animal protection.

Contention

A notable point of contention may arise around the specific use of the appropriated funds and ensuring compliance with state laws and procurement processes. Section 3 of the bill emphasizes adherence to existing legislative and fiscal control laws, suggesting that any disbursed funds must be carefully managed. While the intent is to foster transparency and proper fund usage, there might be discussions on the adequacy of oversight mechanisms to assure that funds achieve intended outcomes without bureaucratic hurdles that could delay timely assistance to shelters.