§3910-B.__Companion Animal Sterilization Fund

1.__Establishment.__There is established the Companion Animal Sterilization Fund, an interest-bearing account, referred to in this section as "the fund."__The fund receives money

deposited by the Treasurer of State pursuant to Title 36, section 5284-A, revenues generated in accordance with this section and any money contributed voluntarily to the fund.__All money deposited in the fund and the earnings on that money remain in the fund to be used for the spaying or neutering of companion animals owned by persons meeting income limit standards and for the necessary administrative and personnel costs associated with the management of the fund and may not be deposited in the General Fund or any other fund except as specifically provided by law.

2.__Subsidies; development of standards.__The commissioner shall develop procedures and eligibility standards for the awarding of subsidies to low-income persons for the spaying or neutering of those persons' companion animals.__Procedures and eligibility standards must be developed in consultation with veterinarians and representatives of humane societies and animal shelters.

3.__Fund-raising.__The commissioner or the commissioner's authorized agent may provide for the creation, reproduction, sale, licensing and distribution and other disposal of any art or other products for the purpose of generating revenues for the fund.__All money generated from the sale of these items must be deposited into the fund.

Sec. 5. 36 MRSA §5284-A is enacted to read:

§5284-A.__Companion animal sterilization voluntary checkoff

1.__Companion Animal Sterilization Fund.__Taxpayers who, when filing their return, are entitled to a refund under this Part may designate that a part of that refund be paid into the Companion Animal Sterilization Fund established in Title 7, section 3910-B.__ A taxpayer who is not entitled to a refund under this Part may contribute to the Companion Animal Sterilization Fund by including with the taxpayer's return sufficient funds to make the contribution.__Each individual income tax return form must contain a designation in substantially the following form:__ "Contribution to Companion Animal Sterilization Fund: ( ) $5, ( ) $10, ( ) $25 or ( ) Other $... ."