This bill modifies the existing law regarding the cost of care fund, which is used to reimburse costs incurred in caring for animals in animal cruelty cases. The amendment specifically allows for payments from the cost of care fund to be made directly to a third party, rather than only to the arresting officer or their designee. This change is reflected by the insertion of the words "or pay directly to a third party" in the relevant section of the law.

The bill also sets a response time of 15 days for the commissioner of the department of agriculture, markets, and food, along with the state veterinarian, to review applications for grants from the cost of care fund. Additionally, it caps the distribution from the fund at $500,000 per application. The act was approved on May 31, 2024, and is set to take effect on July 30, 2024. There is no mention of deletions from the current law in the provided text.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 437-B:1
Version adopted by both bodies: 437-B:1
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 437-B:1