Pub. L. 117-212 - Planning for Animal Wellness Act" or the "PAW Act

117th Congress

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the “Planning for Animal Wellness Act” or the “PAW Act”.

SEC. 2. WORKING GROUP GUIDELINES.

(a) In this section:

(a)(1) The term “Administrator” means the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(a)(2) The term “working group” means the advisory working group established under subsection (b).

(b) Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an advisory working group.

(c)(1) not less than 2 representatives of State governments with experience in animal emergency management;

(c)(2) not less than 2 representatives of local governments with experience in animal emergency management;

(c)(3) not less than 2 representatives from academia;

(c)(4) not less than 2 veterinary experts;

(c)(5) not less than 2 representatives from nonprofit organizations working to address the needs of households pets and service animals in emergencies or disasters;

(c)(6) representatives from the Federal Animal Emergency Management Working Group; and

(c)(7) any other members determined necessary by the Administrator.

(d) The working group shall—

(d)(1) encourage and foster collaborative efforts among individuals and entities working to address the needs of household pets, service and assistance animals, and captive animals, as appropriate, in emergency and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery; and

(d)(2) review best practices and Federal guidance, as of the date of enactment of this Act, on congregate and noncongregate sheltering and evacuation planning relating to the needs of household pets, service and assistance animals, and captive animals, as appropriate, in emergency and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

(e) The members of the working group shall serve on the working group on a voluntary basis.

(f) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the working group shall determine whether the best practices and Federal guidance described in subsection (d)(2) are sufficient.

(g) Not later than 540 days after the date of enactment of this Act, if the Administrator, in consultation with the working group, determines that the best practices and Federal guidance described in subsection (d)(2) are insufficient, the Administrator, in consultation with the working group, shall publish updated Federal guidance.

(h)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the working group shall terminate on the date that is 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act.

(h)(2) The Administrator may extend the date described in paragraph (1) if the Administrator determines an extension is appropriate.

Legislative History

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S. 4205:

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 168 (2022):

Aug. 6, considered and passed Senate.

Sept. 13, considered in House.

Sept. 14, prior proceedings vacated; considered and passed House.