HB3281 HFLR Page 1 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - FLOOR VERSION STATE OF OKLAHOMA 2nd Session of the 58th Legislature (2022) HOUSE BILL 3281 By: Humphrey AS INTRODUCED An Act relating to animals; creating the Endangered Ark Foundation Preservation Act; providin g purpose; defining terms; exempting certa in acts from cruelty to animals; providing for codification; and providing an effective date. BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: SECTION 1. NEW LAW A new secti on of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 1685.2 of Title 21, unless there is created a duplication in nu mbering, reads as follows: A. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Endangered Ark Foundation Preservation Act ". B. The purpose of this act is to preserve th e safety, health, and well-being of elephants in Oklahoma. C. As used in the Enda ngered Ark Foundation Preservation Act: 1. "Free contact" means the use of tools and techniques such as a guide and tether to help elephants cope with certain conditions or HB3281 HFLR Page 2 BOLD FACE denotes Committee Amendments. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 as necessary during intensive procedures associated with treating chronic illnesses or animal reproduction; and 2. "Protected contact" means the contact between elephant and handler through a barrier such as a chu te or an elephant restraint device. D. It shall not be considered cruelty to animals as provided in Section 1685 of Title 2 1 of the Oklahoma Statutes for licensed operators of a nonprofit entity caring for elephants to practice free contact and protected contact. SECTION 2. This act shall become effective November 1, 2022. COMMITTEE REPORT BY: COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT, dated 02/08/2022 - DO PASS.