Assembly approves President Ruggerio and Rep. Alzate’s bill exempting veterans from pet adoption fees
STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly today approved legislation (2022-S 2996, 2022-H 7136) sponsored by Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio and Rep. Karen Alzate that will exempt veterans from pet adoption fees at public animal shelters.
“Pets do more than simply provide companionship. For many of us, they become cherished parts of our lives and families. Those who have proudly served our nation in uniform deserve our eternal gratitude, and eliminating adoption fees for veterans is a small but meaningful show of our state’s appreciation,” said President Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence).
“This is another way our state can thank our veterans for their service while also ensuring that less of the animals in our public shelters are euthanized due to lack of interest in adoption. With this bill, our veterans will save money, gain a new loving friend and more animal lives will be spared,” said Representative Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket).
The act would waive the adoption fee to adopt a dog or cat from a public animal shelter for a veteran who presents a current and valid driver’s license or identification card with the word “veteran” printed on its face.
A public animal shelter may limit the number of dogs or cats adopted by a veteran to one dog or cat during a period of every six months.
The legislation now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration.
House Speaker Mike Johnson needs the help of Democrats to get his foreign aid package across the finish line. Johnson is moving forward with a plan to vote on separate bills to send military assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific, as well as a bill that includes border security measures. However, several conservatives quickly came out against the plan, arguing border policy changes should be directly tied to any additional funding for Ukraine. 
