132nd MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 1771 LR 981(02)
An Act to Strengthen Oversight of Kennels by Changing the Licensing Authority from Municipalities to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Fiscal Note
FY 2025-26 FY 2026-27 Projections  FY 2027-28 Projections  FY 2028-29
Appropriations/Allocations
Other Special Revenue Funds $21,577 $21,577 $21,577 $21,577
Revenue
Other Special Revenue Funds $21,577 $21,577 $21,577 $21,577
Fiscal Detail and Notes
This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (ACF) to issue kennel licenses in place of municipalities. It establishes a tiered fee structure based on the number of dogs per kennel and directs the ACF to distribute 20% of the revenue collected to municipalities, with the remaining 80% deposited into the Animal Welfare Fund. Because total revenue will depend on the number and size of licensed kennels, an exact estimate is not available at this time.
The bill also increases fees on existing facility licenses. These fee increases are expected to generate $21,577 in additional Other Special Revenue Funds revenue for the ACF beginning in fiscal year 2025-26. The bill includes a corresponding allocation to authorize expenditure of the additional revenue.