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Committee advances bill to increase penalties for unlicensed animal sales at pop‑up venues
Summary
HB331, which would remove a prior provision limiting fines for certain animal‑selling offenses and broaden enforcement for unlicensed sales, was presented and advanced by committee members who said it targets roadside and parking‑lot sellers and seeks to protect consumers and animals.
The House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee heard and advanced HB331, a measure aimed at cracking down on unlicensed or itinerant animal sales at parking lots, flea markets and roadside locations.
Sponsor Katie (first name in transcript only) — identified in the transcript as the presenter of HB331 and described as an advocate for the bill — said the bill removes language that had limited fines for repeat offenses occurring within a single day. The change means sellers operating without a license could face escalating penalties for multiple offenses rather than a single low fine.
The sponsor said the bill does not affect licensed breeders, veterinarians, law enforcement agencies, or recognized events (for example, FFA, 4‑H or national breed association events). Instead, it targets unlicensed, transient sellers who offer animals without traceability or consumer protections. The sponsor said such sales can leave buyers without recourse if animals are sick or misrepresented and contribute to animals being surrendered to shelters.
Committee members supporting the bill cited concerns about irresponsible breeding, overcrowded animal shelters, and organized rings that sell animals “below the radar.” Representative Hagan and others praised the bill as a step toward reducing irresponsible commercial activity and protecting both consumers and animals.
A motion to “do pass” was made and the committee approved the bill. The transcript records the committee’s affirmative voice vote; it does not include a roll‑call tally or names of members who voted for or against the motion.
The transcript does not record formal opposition or detailed agency enforcement plans; a committee member suggested the Department of Agriculture would be expected to enforce licensing rules and penalties.
