Preemption of certain local animal ordinances

What it would have done

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

Current law specifies animal welfare standards for persons responsible for confining animals, including requirements to provide such animals with sufficient food and water and standards for providing proper shelter. Current law also identifies and prohibits a number of crimes against animals and requires rabies vaccinations and local dog licenses and tags for dogs. Under current law, a city, village, town, or county (political subdivision) may appoint humane officers who may, in addition to law enforcement officers, investigate and enforce these state laws as well as local ordinances relating to animals.

This bill prohibits political subdivisions from adopting certain regulations for animal facilities in areas that are zoned exclusively or primarily for agricultural use, unless the activity being regulated presents a substantial threat to public health or safety. Specifically, the bill prohibits political subdivisions from establishing animal welfare standards that are more stringent than those contained in state law or from requiring or prohibiting animal medications or vaccinations that are not otherwise required or prohibited under state law. The bill also prohibits political subdivisions from regulating the use to which an animal will be put, either on a farm or facility or after it leaves the farm or facility. In addition, under the bill, political subdivisions may not regulate the species of animals that are allowed to be raised within an area that is zoned exclusively or primarily for agricultural use. Under the bill, a political subdivision may not enforce any existing regulations that conflict with the provisions of the bill, unless the activity being regulated presents a substantial threat to public health or safety.

Who's behind it

6 representatives are its authors⁠. All 6 are Republicans.

1 more lawmaker signed on in support⁠.

Versions and amendments

Every text the Legislature printed for this bill, including proposed changes. Each opens on the Legislature's site.

• Amendment Histories
• LC Amendment Memo