The bill seeks to enhance the regulation of commercial establishments in Iowa that possess or control animals other than agricultural animals. It amends the Code 2026 by replacing the term "state license" with "authorization," thereby streamlining the licensing process. A significant new provision allows the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (DALS) to refuse authorization if there is substantial evidence that the establishment will not meet the required standards of care for animals. The bill also establishes specific fees for the issuance and renewal of authorizations, outlines penalties for non-compliance, and mandates inspections during the authorization period, emphasizing the importance of maintaining records and compliance with care standards.

Additionally, the bill increases the maximum civil penalty for authorized commercial establishments from $500 to $1,000 and raises the penalty for operating without authorization from $1,000 to $2,000. It introduces a compliance period of up to fifteen days for establishments to correct violations related to housing standards and eliminates the requirement for certain commercial establishments, such as breeders and dealers, to operate under a permit. The bill also repeals duplicative provisions regarding disciplinary actions and mandates that DALS conduct at least one inspection per year for each commercial establishment, with a reinspection fee for additional inspections. The collected civil penalties and fees will be deposited into the state’s general fund to support the enforcement of animal care regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 162.2, 162.2A, 162.2B, 162.10B, 162.10A, 162.10D, 162.11, 162.12A, 717B.2