Chairwoman Warren Opened the hearing on HB2535.

Natalie Scott, Revisor's Office provided an overview of the bill and stood for questions. (Attachment 5)

Terry Humphrey, Executive Director, Kansas Pet Advocates Inc., testified in support of the bill.  They believe this is good public policy.  It reduces cat populations over time, reduces nuisance behaviors, increases rabies vaccination coverage, promotes public health, lowers shelter intake and saves local governments money - all at no cost to the state. (Attachment 6)

Heidi Bradford, President, Topeka Cat Fix, provided testimony supporting the bill.  They support the legislation for the following reasons:  Helps protect our volunteers, allows up to work with animal control officers to target high-need areas, and it removed barriers that prevents other from doing  Trap/Neuter/Vaccination/Return (TNVR) for fear of criminal prosecution.  (Attachment 7)

Jasmine Kyle, Director, Southeast Kansas Humane Society, provided support of the bill because Kansas's animal cruelty statue was never meant to criminalize TNVR.  (Attachment 8)

Nika Orebaugh, Supervisor, Sedgwick County Animal Control, provided testimony to support this bill.  If this bill were able to pass, it would open a door for our officers to petition to the county at large for our department to offer support to these vital programs that protect our county's citizens.  (Attachment 9)

Written only testimony was submitted by the following:

• Midge Grinstead, State Director, Humane World for Animals (Attachment 10)

• Crystal Swann Blackdeer, Executive Director, Leavenworth County Humane Society Inc. (Attachment 11)

• Christy Fischer, Executive Director, Wichita Animal Action League (Attachment 12)

• Zack Pistora, Kansas Sierra Club (Attachment 13)

Proponents stood for questions.

Chairwoman closed the hearing on HB2535.

Meeting adjourned 11:16 a.m.