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OregonHB 36042025 Regular SessionHouse

Relating to animal rescue entities; and prescribing an effective date.

Sponsored By: Tom Andersen (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Legal protections for cat rescue agencies

Qualifying animal holding agencies gain civil liability protection and a defense against theft charges for handling cats under this law. These protections also cover employees, volunteers, and agents acting for them. The protections apply only to cat handling that follows the law’s requirements. Agencies must be licensed animal rescue entities and meet one of two paths. One path requires federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit status and a public facility with a published address, open at least five days weekly. The other requires a county or municipal animal control contract to accept, hold, or dispose of cats. The law takes effect on the 91st day after the 2025 regular legislative session adjourns.

Cat reclaim deadlines and rescue duties

Qualifying agencies must record who brings in a cat, their contact details, and whether they believe it is unowned, stray, or abandoned. The law covers domestic cats and their hybrids. For cats believed to be unowned, stray, or abandoned, agencies must use facilities meeting State Department of Agriculture rules. Foster care is allowed only for pregnant, nursing, or newborn cats. Within 24 hours, agencies must post a description, photo, and the date and location found on their website. They must also report to animal control where the cat was found and take reasonable steps to notify its owner. Cats without a license, identification tag, or microchip must be held at least three business days; cats with identification, five. Business days are days the agency is open to the public, and local rules can require longer holds. Identified owners must receive prompt notice with the facility address, reclaim steps, agency fees, and consequences of missing the deadline. Agencies become owners when cats remain unclaimed after the holding period; identified owners must first receive the required notice. Agencies can then use any lawful option, including adoption, transfer to another agency, or euthanasia. Agencies must provide necessary veterinary-directed medical care, including humane euthanasia, plus species-appropriate preventive care and disease-control measures. They must keep required records for at least one year, including where the cat was found and the finder’s name and address, if known.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Tom Andersen

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • David Gomberg

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 85 • No: 9

Senate vote • 5/15/2025

Third reading. Carried by Broadman. Passed.

Yes: 26 • No: 1

Senate vote • 5/5/2025

Judiciary: Heard and Reported Out

Yes: 6 • No: 0

House vote • 4/22/2025

Third reading. Carried by Andersen. Passed.

Yes: 45 • No: 8

House vote • 4/9/2025

Judiciary: Heard and Reported Out with Amendments

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter 159, (2025 Laws): effective on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

    6/11/2025House

  2. Governor signed.

    5/27/2025House

  3. President signed.

    5/20/2025Senate

  4. Speaker signed.

    5/20/2025House

  5. Third reading. Carried by Broadman. Passed.

    5/15/2025Senate

  6. Carried over to 05-15 by unanimous consent.

    5/14/2025Senate

  7. Carried over to 05-14 by unanimous consent.

    5/13/2025Senate

  8. Second reading.

    5/12/2025Senate

  9. Recommendation: Do pass the A-Eng. bill.

    5/12/2025Senate

  10. Work Session held.

    5/5/2025Senate

  11. Public Hearing held.

    4/28/2025Senate

  12. Referred to Judiciary.

    4/23/2025Senate

  13. First reading. Referred to President's desk.

    4/23/2025Senate

  14. Third reading. Carried by Andersen. Passed.

    4/22/2025House

  15. Rules suspended. Carried over to April 22, 2025 Calendar.

    4/21/2025House

  16. Rules suspended. Carried over to April 21, 2025 Calendar.

    4/17/2025House

  17. Second reading.

    4/16/2025House

  18. Recommendation: Do pass with amendments and be printed A-Engrossed.

    4/15/2025House

  19. Work Session held.

    4/9/2025House

  20. Public Hearing held.

    3/11/2025House

  21. Referred to Judiciary.

    2/20/2025House

  22. First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.

    2/18/2025House

Bill Text

  • HJUD Amendment -1 (Adopted)

    4/9/2025

    PDF

  • HJUD Amendment -1 (Proposed)

    3/11/2025

    PDF

  • A-Engrossed

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    PDF

  • House Amendments to Introduced

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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