SATOS Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6716
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Animals
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-16T08:07:41Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation establishes a new federal program under the Department of Agriculture to provide grants and loans for building, expanding, or equipping facilities that support the care and welfare of domestic animals (such as dogs, cats, and other common pets not kept for commercial purposes) in rural areas. The goal is to address gaps in infrastructure like shelters and veterinary services in communities with limited resources.
Key Provisions
- Grants and Loans for Facilities: Funds may be used to construct, expand, or renovate animal shelters, adoption centers, veterinary clinics, spay/neuter clinics, animal control operations, or emergency shelters in rural areas, as well as to buy related equipment, vehicles, or technology.
- Funding Limits: Total grants are capped at $10 million per fiscal year. The federal share covers up to 75% of project costs, with a graduated scale offering higher shares to smaller or lower-income communities.
- Technical Assistance: Separate grants (3–5% of program funds) support planning, applications, training, and administration for eligible projects, with priority for entities experienced in animal facility management.
- Implementation Timeline: The Secretary of Agriculture must issue rules within 180 days and begin awarding grants and loans within one year of enactment.
- Reporting Requirements: The Secretary must submit biennial reports to Congress on funding amounts, geographic distribution, outcomes, and improvement recommendations.
- Eligibility and Definitions: Eligible recipients include state, local, or Tribal governments and nonprofit corporations. Rural areas are defined as those outside cities or towns with more than 50,000 residents and their adjacent urban zones.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill creates an entirely new grant and loan program focused on rural animal welfare facilities. It does not amend or repeal any existing statutes but adds new authority for the Secretary of Agriculture (through the Under Secretary for Rural Development) to administer these funds.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Requires the Department of Agriculture to develop rules, process applications, distribute funds, and produce regular reports to congressional agriculture committees.
- Citizens and Communities: Could improve access to animal care services in rural areas, potentially supporting public health and safety by reducing stray animal issues and enhancing humane treatment.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Rural local governments, Tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations operating or planning animal facilities.
- Residents in rural areas lacking current animal welfare infrastructure.
- The Department of Agriculture, which will oversee implementation and reporting.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill raises no apparent constitutional concerns, as it falls within Congress's authority to fund rural development programs. It introduces no new regulatory mandates on private parties and focuses on voluntary grants and loans. Politically, the legislation emphasizes support for rural infrastructure without altering broader federal spending priorities.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large]
Cosponsors (3)
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
- 2026-01-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.
- 2025-12-15: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 2025-12-15: Introduced in House
- 2025-12-15: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Save Animals Through Operational Shelters Act of 2025 — issued 2025-12-15 — PDF (6 pages)