Committee amends and approves substitute of HB 1201 to encourage companion-animal accommodations in emergency shelters

Vice Chair Kloba moved and the committee considered proposed substitute House Bill 1201, which would require local jurisdictions to identify accommodations for companion animals in emergency or extreme-weather shelter planning “to the extent practicable.”

The committee adopted amendment WALE 207 (moved by Representative Penner) to replace the phrase “county or city” with “political subdivision” so that the requirement applies to counties, cities and towns where the statute governing emergency management uses the broader term. The proposed substitute had already added a requirement to identify a co-shelter and changed the statutory term “pet” to “companion animal.” Staff described the proposed substitute H-0928.2 and the single amendment in the executive-session briefing.

Motion and amendment: Vice Chair Kloba moved that the proposed substitute be reported out with a due-pass recommendation; Representative Penner moved amendment WALE 207 and it was adopted by voice vote. The motion on the substitute as amended was then reported to a roll-call vote.

Roll-call outcome: The committee recorded individual votes during the roll call. The final tally announced by staff was 12 ayes and 1 nay (Representative Volz voted “nay without recommendation”). Recorded individual votes in the transcript were: Representative Ryu — aye; Representative Klobuch — aye; Representative Barnard — aye; Representative Cortez — aye; Representative Donaghy — aye; Representative Keaton — aye; Representative Paul — aye; Representative Penner — aye; Representative Shavers — aye; Representative Simmons — aye; Representative Thomas — aye; Representative Volz — nay without recommendation; Representative Waters — aye. Staff announced the tally as 12 ayes, 1 nay. The committee reported substitute House Bill 1201 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation as amended.

Why it matters: Supporters urged passage on the grounds that companion animals can be a source of comfort and safety for people who need emergency shelter, and that planning in advance reduces disruptions in emergency operations. Witnesses and members noted logistical concerns such as allergy accommodation, waste management and the phrase “to the extent practicable” to avoid an unfunded mandate.

Ending: The committee’s action was procedural: substitute HB 1201, as amended by WALE 207, was reported out with a due-pass recommendation and will move forward in the legislative process.