ENGR. H. B. NO. 3281 Page 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 ENGROSSED HOUSE BILL NO. 3281 By: Humphrey of the House and Bullard of the Senate 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 ENGR. H. B. NO. 3281 Page 2 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. Passed the House of Representatives the 21st day of March, 2022. Presiding Officer of the House of Representatives Passed the Senate the ___ day of __________, 2022. Presiding Officer of the Senate