Signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes the Animal Welfare Program and Trust Fund in New Mexico.

Highlights:

• Establishes the Animal Welfare Program within the Department of Finance and Administration to fund projects that support the welfare of domestic cats and dogs (Sec. 1(A)).

• Authorizes grants or contracts with municipalities, counties, tribal nations, or eligible entities for projects that (Sec. 1(A)):

• Repair, renovate, or operate publicly owned animal shelters;

• Control stray animals;

• Enforce animal cruelty laws;

• Reduce shelter intake and euthanasia rates;

• Provide spay and neuter services;

• Shelter and care for animals taken in cruelty investigations; or

• Educate individuals on animal welfare.

• Requires applicants to submit proposals that outline the project’s scope, costs, and timeline of completion (Sec. 1(B)).

• Requires project selection through a review process and authorizes funds must be used within two years, or any unused funds must be returned to the department (Sec. 1(C)).

• Authorizes the department to prioritize areas with the greatest need for animal welfare projects and to assess each applicant’s ability to complete the proposed project (Sec. 1(D)).

• Requires annual reporting to the Legislative Finance Committee detailing the projects, eligible proposals, and program costs (Sec. 1(E)).

• Defines an “eligible entity” as a nonprofit that primarily serves domestic cats and dogs and eligible “equipment and supplies” as vehicles, equipment, software, and training materials necessary and directly related to providing support for animal welfare (Sec. 1(F)).

Full Bill Text