Senate Judiciary debates tighter deadlines, security rules and fund changes in animal forfeiture bill

The Senate Judiciary committee on April 16 reviewed proposed edits to an animal forfeiture bill that would shorten several court deadlines, tighten payment rules for seized animals and clarify how custodial caretakers get reimbursed.

Staff member summarized language on page 19 that currently gives an owner 14 days after seizure to request a forfeiture hearing and directs a court to hold that hearing within 30 days; the committee considered a suggested amendment to remove the bill’s allowance for the court to extend the 30‑day deadline for "good cause." A committee member urged the hard limit, arguing extended delays increase costs and "the damage to the animals" while they remain impounded.

Lisa Millett, director of animal welfare, testified that the animal welfare fund is small and relies mainly on a $2 per‑dog license fee surcharge—about $30,000 a year—and said most defendants will likely apply…