This bill establishes a statewide spay and neuter assistance fund and program in Alaska, aimed at reducing the population of companion animals through financial support for spay and neuter services. The fund will be created as a separate account within the general fund, consisting of program receipts from special request companion animal spay and neuter plates, donations, and any available federal or private funding. The Department of Environmental Conservation will administer the fund and the program, which will provide direct reimbursement to participating veterinarians, clinics, and shelters that offer spay or neuter surgeries at reduced rates for eligible households with incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines. The bill also mandates public awareness initiatives and annual reporting to the legislature on the program's activities and finances.

Additionally, the bill allows for contributions to the spay and neuter assistance fund from the Alaska permanent fund dividends, alongside other charitable organizations. It includes provisions for the issuance of special request registration plates that promote the spay and neuter program, with a fee structure established for these plates. The bill also specifies that the Department of Revenue will prepare the necessary application forms to facilitate these contributions. The effective date for the implementation of this act is set for January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
HB0258A, AM HB 258, introduced 01/16/2026: 28.10.421, 03.55.200, 03.55.240, 03.55.210, 03.55.220, 03.55.230, 16.05.255, 29.35.052, 28.10.181, 37.05.146, 43.23.130, 43.23.200, 18.67.162, 37.05.142
HB0258B, AM CSHB 258(RES), introduced 02/16/2026: 28.10.421, 03.55.200, 03.55.240, 03.55.210, 03.55.220, 03.55.230, 28.10.181, 37.05.146, 43.23.130, 43.23.200, 18.67.162, 37.05.142