RESEARCH FACILITIES-DOG OR CAT

Creates the Higher Education Research of Dogs or Cats Reporting Requirement Act. Provides that research facilities that are institutions of higher education which receive public funds shall submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly regarding: (1) an identification of the species and the approximate number of dogs or cats to be used; (2) a rationale for involving dogs or cats and the appropriateness of the species and numbers of dogs or cats to be used; (3) a complete description of the proposed use of the dogs or cats; (4) a description of procedures designed to assure that discomfort and pain to the dogs or cats will be limited to that which is unavoidable for the conduct of scientifically valuable research, including a provision for the use of analgesic, anesthetic, and tranquilizing drugs when indicated and appropriate to minimize discomfort and pain to the dogs or cats; (5) a description of any euthanasia method to be used; (6) financial information related to the research projects, including the identities of any external funding source and funding amounts; and (7) recommendations for legislative action by the General Assembly. Provides that each annual report shall be filed on or before March 1, beginning with calendar year 2017, and shall cover the previous calendar year. Provides that if a research facility fails to submit an annual report as required, a penalty shall be imposed of $100 per day that shall remain delinquent until the annual report is filed. Provides that any funds collected from these penalties shall be deposited into the General Revenue Fund. Effective immediately.