An Act establishing a statewide spay and neuter assistance fund; establishing the statewide spay and neuter assistance program; relating to municipal control of feral domestic dogs and cats; relating to companion animal spay and neuter special request registration plates; relating to contributions from permanent fund dividends; and providing for an effective date.

HB 258 creates a statewide fund to help low-income Alaskans spay or neuter their pets and manage feral cat and dog populations. The fund, financed by fees from special pet owner license plates, donations, and federal/private grants, reimburses veterinarians, shelters, or clinics up to 80% of costs for spay/neuter surgeries or vaccinations for pets owned by households earning ≤130% of federal poverty guidelines. It also allows municipalities to use the program for trapping, spaying/neutering, and vaccinating feral animals under local ordinances. The Department of Environmental Conservation must report annually on program use and funding, and promote public awareness about pet population control. This bill directly affects pet owners, animal service providers, and local governments managing feral animal programs.