Substitute Senate Bill No. 318, also known as Public Act No. 26-112, addresses animal welfare by mandating a study on the placement of companion animals for victims of domestic violence. Effective October 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Office of Victim Services, will examine existing resources for victims needing to place their animals, identify contact persons for assistance, and explore the feasibility of a 24-hour communication line for such victims. The findings and recommendations from this study are to be submitted to the relevant legislative committee by January 1, 2027.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing law by repealing the phrase "contagious and infectious diseases" and replacing it with "disease" in the context of the State Veterinarian's authority to issue orders to prevent the spread of diseases among animals and poultry. Furthermore, the Commissioner of Agriculture is required to convene a working group by July 1, 2026, to study the animal population control program and develop recommendations for its funding and stability. This group will include various stakeholders from the agriculture and animal welfare sectors, with a report due to the legislative committee by January 1, 2027.