1

The Committee on Agriculture (Peaden) recommended the following

2

amendment:

3

4

     Senate Amendment (with title amendments)

5

     Delete lines 31 through 40

6

and insert:

7

     570.97 Gertrude Maxwell Save a Pet Direct-Support

8

Organization.--

9

     (1) The Gertrude Maxwell Save a Pet Direct-Support

10

Organization is created within the Department of Agriculture and

11

Consumer Services. The direct-support organization is governed by

12

this section and ss. 570.902 and 570.903.

13

     (2) The purpose of the direct-support organization is to

14

provide grants to animal shelters for spaying and neutering, for

15

shelters and services during times of emergencies, and to develop

16

and disseminate educational materials concerning the care of

17

pets. The direct-support organization may not participate in,

18

endorse, or financially support political activities at the

19

national, state, or local level.

20

     (3) The direct-support organization shall be governed by a

21

board of directors made up of eight members. The board of

22

directors of the direct-support organization shall include the

23

Commissioner of Agriculture, or his or her designee, who shall

24

choose one member from each of the following organizations who

25

shall be appointed to a term of 4 years:

26

     (a) The Florida Veterinary Medical Association;

27

     (b) The Cat Fancier Association;

28

     (c) The Florida Association of Kennel Clubs;

29

     (d) A humane society organization;

30

     (e) The Florida Animal Control Association;

31

     (f) The National Rifle Association; and

32

     (g) One citizen member not otherwise associated with any of

33

the named organizations.

34

     (4) The Commissioner of Agriculture may appoint up to three

35

nonvoting honorary members. Nominees must be individuals,

36

companies, or organizations that have demonstrated commitment to,

37

or made significant contributions to, the health, safety, or

38

well-being of animals. Gertrude Maxwell, or her designee, shall

39

be appointed as the first honorary member of the direct-support

40

organization. Honorary board members shall be appointed to a 1-

41

year term and may be appointed to a maximum of two consecutive

42

terms.

43

44

================ T I T L E  A M E N D M E N T ================

45

And the title is amended as follows:

46

47

     Delete lines 2 through 8

48

and insert:

49

50

An act relating to the Gertrude Maxwell Save a Pet Act;

51

providing a short title; creating s. 570.97, F.S.;

52

creating a direct-support organization for the Department

53

of Agriculture and Consumer Services; providing for the

54

organization and operation of the direct-support

55

organization; providing for the purpose of the direct-

56

support organization; providing that the direct-support

57

organization be governed by a board of directors;

58

providing for membership and terms; providing for the

59

appointment of honorary board members; providing an

60

effective date.

3/18/2008  9:07:00 AM     575-05191-08