SB 159
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Enrolled - Revised
Senate Bill 159 (Senator Waldstreicher, et al.)
Judicial Proceedings Environment and Transportation
Local Government - Humane Society and Animal Control Officers - Education
and Training Requirements
This bill requires a new officer of a humane society or animal control to satisfactorily
complete at least 80 hours of training for animal care and control professionals – that is
approved by the appropriate unit of a county or municipality – within the first 12 months
of employment. The bill also requires an officer of a humane society or animal control to
satisfactorily complete at least 6 hours of continuing education approved by the appropriate
unit of a county or municipality every year.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: None.
Local Effect: Local government expenditures may increase relatively minimally in some
jurisdictions, as discussed below. Local revenues are not affected.
Small Business Effect: None.
Analysis
Bill Summary: The training for new officers must include instruction on (1) animal
cruelty investigations; (2) the association between animal abuse and the abuse of the elderly
or domestic violence, as defined in § 4-701 of the Family Law Article; (3) the use of legal
resources, as specified; (4) lawful searches and seizures; (5) professionalism and ethical
standards; (6) evidence collection and the chain of custody; (7) preparation for civil and
criminal proceedings, including basic trial principles and due process protections;
(8) conflict resolution and officer safety, including physical and mental health; and
(9) animal diseases and zoonosis. The unit of the county or municipality that approves the
training may require other additional training. The continuing education must include
instruction on the current laws applicable to officers.
Current Law: State law does not currently establish training requirements or other
qualifications for humane society officers or animal control officers.
Local Expenditures: Expenditures may increase relatively minimally in certain local
jurisdictions to the extent (1) a jurisdiction’s officers do not already undergo training and
continued education that meet the requirements of the bill and (2) the jurisdiction pays for
the training required under the bill. Certain jurisdictions that responded to requests for
information indicate that their animal control officers currently undergo training and
continuing education.
Online and in-person training programs of at least 80 hours have been offered by
organizations such as the National Animal Care and Control Association and the East Coast
Animal Control Academy.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: SB 814 of 2020, a similar bill, received a hearing in the Senate
Judicial Proceedings Committee, but no further action was taken. Its cross file, HB 1537,
received a hearing in the House Environment and Transportation Committee, but no further
action was taken.
Designated Cross File: HB 281 (Delegate Chang) - Environment and Transportation.
Information Source(s): Baltimore City; Montgomery and Prince George’s counties;
Maryland Association of Counties; City of Bowie; Maryland Municipal League; National
Animal Care and Control Association; Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - January 18, 2021
rh/sdk Third Reader - March 18, 2021
Revised - Amendment(s) - March 18, 2021
Enrolled - April 15, 2021
Revised - Amendment(s) - April 15, 2021
Analysis by: Tyler Allard Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
SB 159/ Page 2


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Criminal Law - Humane Society and Animal Control Officers - Education and Training Requirements: 10-609 Criminal Law
Text - Third - Criminal Law - Humane Society and Animal Control Officers - Education and Training Requirements: 10-609 Local Government, 13-110 Local Government
Text - Enrolled - Local Government - Humane Society and Animal Control Officers - Education and Training Requirements: 10-609 Criminal Law, 13-110 Criminal Law
Text - Chapter - Local Government - Humane Society and Animal Control Officers - Education and Training Requirements: 11-314 []