Friday, April 2, 2010

California Legislation Affecting Animals

This is not an inclusive list of all animal related legislation. If you live in California and like or dislike any of these bills, make your voice heard. Legislators take emails and letters seriously. You are representing hundreds of other constituents and voters. Each hyperlink will take you to: the language of the bill, the author's home page (where you can send a letter of support/opposition) and links to the contact information for each committee.

AB 2000, rabies vaccine exemption: Assemblymember Hagman
I disagree with Assemblymember Hagman on a lot of issues, but I am in total support of AB 2000, which allows for an exemption of a rabies license with a veterinarian's permission. You would have to renew the license annually but it offers a way to reduce the number of rabies vaccinations given to an animal. It will be heard in the Assembly Committee on Agriculture on 4/14/2010. Get your letters in by Friday, April 9th or Monday, April 12th.
You can mail your letter to:
Assemblymember Curt Hagman
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814


SB 1277, animal abuse registry: Senator Florez
The bill would create an internet registry with the names, addresses and physical identifying markers of those convicted of felony level animal abuse. My opinions on this proposal can be found here and here. Suffice it to say, I do not support this legislation, although I support some of the logic behind it. The bill will be heard in the Senate Committee on Public Safety on 4/20/2010. Get your letters in by Friday, April 16th.
You can mail your letter to:
Senator Dean Florez
State Capitol, Room 313
Sacramento,  CA  95814

AB 2411, pet insurance regulation: Assemblymember Jones
This bill would include pet insurance along with other regulated providers of insurance. It would prohibit denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions (six months after coverage is approved), among other regulations. I support this bill. It will be heard in the Assembly Committee on  Insurance 4/7/10, so get your letters in by Monday.
You can mail your letter to:
Assemblymember Dave Jones
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0009

AB 2716, reduced licensing fees for puppies: Assemblymember Mendoza
This bill would reduce the licensing fee for puppies by up to half the normal licensing fee. It will be heard on the Assembly Committee on Insurance 4/21
You can mail your letter to:
Assembylmember Tony Mendoza
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0056

SB 1185 - Tax deduction for adopted animals: Senator Maldonado
People who adopt animals would be able to deduct up to $250 in food and supplies associated with the cost of that animal. It would be applicable for the taxable year in which a person adopted an animal. I fully support this bill. It does not have a hearing date but will be heard in the Senate Committee on Revenue and Taxation
You can write letters to:
Senator Maldonado
State Capitol, Room 4082
Sacramento, CA 95814

AB 1656, label of fur products: Assemblymembers Ma & Lieu
This bill would require the labeling of all products, no matter their price, if they contain fur. Current law exempts the labeling of products containing fur that are priced at $150 or less. It has passed committee and is currently on the floor. If you support this bill, contact your legislator and ask them to vote yes. You can find your legislator here (click on Find My District on left nav bar).

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