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        PRIOR PRINTER'S NOS. 1094, 1435, 1505,        PRINTER'S NO. 1730
        1548, 1703

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA


SENATE BILL

No. 871 Session of 2003


        INTRODUCED BY WENGER, CORMAN, MADIGAN, THOMPSON, ROBBINS,
           KASUNIC, M. WHITE, EARLL, WAUGH, LEMMOND, RAFFERTY,
           TARTAGLIONE, COSTA, HELFRICK AND KITCHEN, JULY 15, 2003

        AS AMENDED ON THIRD CONSIDERATION, JUNE 22, 2004

                                     AN ACT

     1  Amending Title 22 (Detectives and Private Police) of the
     2     Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for
     3     appointment by nonprofit corporations; providing for humane
     4     society police officers' appointment, qualifications,
     5     authority and discipline; conferring powers and duties on the
     6     Department of Agriculture; establishing the Humane Society
     7     Police Officer Advisory Board and the Humane Society Police
     8     Officer Account; and making a related repeal.

     9     The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
    10  hereby enacts as follows:
    11     Section 1.  Section 501(a) and (c) of Title 22 of the
    12  Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes are amended to read:
    13  § 501.  Appointment by nonprofit corporations.
    14     (a)  Appointment authorized.--Any nonprofit corporation, as
    15  defined in 15 Pa.C.S. Pt. II Subpt. C (relating to nonprofit
    16  corporations) maintaining a cemetery or any buildings or grounds
    17  open to the public, or organized for the prevention of cruelty
    18  to children or aged persons [or animals], or one or more of such
    19  purposes, may apply to the court of common pleas of the county
    20  of the registered office of the corporation for the appointment

     1  of such persons as the corporation may designate to act as
     2  policemen for the corporation. The court, upon such application,
     3  may by order appoint such persons, or as many of them as it may
     4  deem proper and necessary, to be such policemen.
     5     * * *
     6     (c)  Powers.--Such policemen, so appointed, shall severally
     7  possess and exercise all the powers of a police officer in this
     8  Commonwealth, in and upon, and in the immediate and adjacent
     9  vicinity of, the property of the corporation. Policemen so
    10  appointed for a corporation organized for the prevention of
    11  cruelty to children or aged persons [or animals], or one or more
    12  of such purposes, shall severally possess and exercise all the
    13  powers of a police officer in any county in which they may be
    14  directed by the corporation to act, and are hereby authorized to
    15  arrest persons for the commission of any offense of cruelty to
    16  children or aged persons [or animals]. The keepers of jails and
    17  other places of detention in any county of this Commonwealth
    18  shall receive all persons arrested by such policemen for
    19  purposes of detention until they are dealt with according to
    20  law. Every policeman appointed under this section, when on duty,
    21  shall wear a metallic shield with the words "special officer"
    22  and the name of the corporation for which appointed inscribed
    23  thereon.
    24     * * *
    25     Section 2.  Title 22 is amended by adding a chapter to read:
    26                             CHAPTER 37
    27                   HUMANE SOCIETY POLICE OFFICERS
    28  Sec.
    29  3701.  Scope of chapter.
    30  3702.  Definitions.
    20030S0871B1730                  - 2 -     

     1  3703.  Appointment required.
     2  3704.  Appointment by nonprofit corporations.
     3  3705.  Qualifications for appointment.
     4  3706.  Temporary appointment.
     5  3707.  Suspension, revocation, limitation and
     6         restriction of appointment; restoration of appointment.
     7  3708.  Termination of appointment.
     8  3709.  Powers and authority; jurisdiction.
     9  3710.  Penalties.
    10  3711.  Search warrants.
    11  3712.  Limitation on possession of firearms.
    12  3713.  Training program.
    13  3714.  Continuing education program.
    14  3715.  Statewide registry.
    15  3716.  Humane Society Police Officer Advisory Board.
    16  3717.  Humane Society Police Officer Account.
    17  3718.  Costs.
    18  3719.  Applicability to currently appointed individuals.
    19  § 3701.  Scope of chapter.
    20     This chapter deals with humane society police officers.
    21  § 3702.  Definitions.
    22     The following words and phrases when used in this chapter
    23  shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
    24  context clearly indicates otherwise:
    25     "Account."  The Humane Society Police Officer Account
    26  established in section 3717 (relating to Humane Society Police
    27  Officer Account).
    28     "Agricultural animal."  Any bovine animal, equine animal,
    29  sheep, goat, pig, poultry, bird, fowl, wild or semiwild animal
    30  or fish or other aquatic animal that is being raised, kept,
    20030S0871B1730                  - 3 -     

     1  transported or utilized for the purpose of or pursuant to
     2  agricultural production.
     3     "Agricultural production."  The production and preparation
     4  for market of agricultural animals and their products and of
     5  agricultural, agronomic, horticultural, silvicultural and
     6  aquacultural crops and commodities.
     7     "Board."  The Humane Society Police Officer Advisory Board.
     8     "Complainant."  Any person who has evidence that an
     9  individual appointed as a humane society police officer has
    10  performed in a manner that is contrary to the standards,
    11  requirements and qualifications prescribed in this chapter for
    12  appointment of individuals as humane society police officers.
    13  The term also includes a district attorney or a municipal
    14  solicitor.
    15     "Convicted."  A finding or verdict of guilt, an admission of
    16  guilt or a plea of nolo contendere or receiving probation
    17  without verdict, disposition in lieu of trial or an Accelerated
    18  Rehabilitative Disposition in the disposition of felony charges.
    19     "Cruelty to animals laws."  The provisions of 18 Pa.C.S. §
    20  5511 (relating to cruelty to animals).
    21     "Department."  The Department of Agriculture of the
    22  Commonwealth.
    23     "Humane society police officer."  Any person who holds a
    24  current appointment under this chapter to act as a humane
    25  society police officer for a society or association for the
    26  prevention of cruelty to animals. The term shall include an
    27  individual who is an agent of a society or association for the
    28  prevention of cruelty to animals as "agent" is used in 18
    29  Pa.C.S. § 5511 (relating to cruelty to animals) provided that
    30  individual holds a current appointment under this chapter.
    20030S0871B1730                  - 4 -     

     1     "Secretary."  The Secretary of Agriculture of the
     2  Commonwealth.
     3     "Serious misdemeanor."  A criminal offense for which more
     4  than one year in prison can be imposed as a punishment.
     5     "Society or association."  A nonprofit society or association
     6  duly incorporated pursuant to 15 Pa.C.S. Ch. 53 Subch. A
     7  (relating to incorporation generally) for the purpose of the
     8  prevention of cruelty to animals.
     9  § 3703.  Appointment required.
    10     It shall be unlawful for any individual to hold himself forth
    11  as a humane society police officer unless the individual has
    12  obtained an appointment pursuant to this chapter.
    13  § 3704.  Appointment by nonprofit corporations.
    14     (a)  Application for appointment.--A society or association
    15  may apply to the court of common pleas in a county for the
    16  appointment of an individual as a humane society police officer
    17  for that county. The court, upon such application, shall by
    18  order appoint such person to be a humane society police officer.
    19     (b)  Oath.--Every individual appointed as a humane society
    20  police officer pursuant to this chapter shall, before entering
    21  upon the duties of the office, take and subscribe to the oath
    22  required by Article VI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania.
    23  § 3705.  Qualifications for appointment.
    24     An individual shall be qualified for an appointment as a
    25  humane society police officer provided the society or
    26  association submits proof satisfactory to the court of common
    27  pleas in each county for which the society or association
    28  directs the individual to act as a humane society police officer
    29  that the individual meets all of the following requirements:
    30         (1)  Has been a resident of this Commonwealth for the
    20030S0871B1730                  - 5 -     

     1     previous 12 months.
     2         (2)  Has successfully completed the training program
     3     established pursuant to section 3713 (relating to training
     4     program).
     5         (3)  Has obtained a criminal history report from the
     6     Pennsylvania State Police pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 91
     7     (relating to criminal history record information) or a
     8     statement from the Pennsylvania State Police that the
     9     Pennsylvania State Police central repository contains no
    10     pertinent information relating to the individual who is the
    11     subject of the application. The criminal history record
    12     information shall be limited to that which may be
    13     disseminated pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121(b)(2) (relating to
    14     general regulations).
    15         (4)  Has not been convicted of an offense graded a felony
    16     or a serious misdemeanor.
    17         (5)  Has not been convicted of any violation, including a
    18     summary offense, of 18 Pa.C.S. § 5511 (relating to cruelty to
    19     animals).
    20         (6)  Has not been convicted of an offense in another
    21     jurisdiction, state, territory or country in accordance with
    22     the laws of that jurisdiction, state, territory or country
    23     equivalent to an offense graded a felony or a serious
    24     misdemeanor or an offense of cruelty to animals.
    25  § 3706.  Temporary appointment.
    26     (a)  Qualifications.--A society or association may petition a
    27  court of common pleas in a county for temporary appointment of
    28  an individual as a humane society police officer in that county,
    29  provided that no other individual is currently appointed to act
    30  as a humane society police officer from the society or
    20030S0871B1730                  - 6 -     

     1  association and the individual meets all of the following
     2  requirements:
     3         (1)  Has been a resident of this Commonwealth for the
     4     previous 12 months.
     5         (2)  Holds a current appointment granted under this
     6     chapter in another county located within this Commonwealth.
     7         (3)  Has obtained a criminal history report from the
     8     Pennsylvania State Police pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 91
     9     (relating to criminal history record information) or a
    10     statement from the Pennsylvania State Police that the
    11     Pennsylvania State Police central repository contains no
    12     pertinent information relating to the individual who is the
    13     subject of the application. The criminal history record
    14     information shall be limited to that which may be
    15     disseminated pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121(b)(2) (relating to
    16     general regulations).
    17         (4)  Has not been convicted of an offense graded a felony
    18     or a serious misdemeanor.
    19         (5)  Has not been convicted of any violation, including a
    20     summary offense, of 18 Pa.C.S. § 5511 (relating to cruelty to
    21     animals).
    22         (6)  Has not been convicted of an offense in another
    23     jurisdiction, state, territory or country in accordance with
    24     the laws of that jurisdiction, state, territory or country
    25     equivalent to an offense graded a felony or a serious
    26     misdemeanor or an offense of cruelty to animals.
    27     (b)  Term.--A temporary appointment under this section shall
    28  expire at the end of six months or such time as the temporarily
    29  appointed individual or any other individual is permanently
    30  appointed by the court of common pleas to act as a humane
    20030S0871B1730                  - 7 -     

     1  society police officer in the county, whichever is sooner. No
     2  more than one temporary appointment shall be effective for any
     3  one county SOCIETY OR ASSOCIATION at any time.                    <--
     4  § 3707.  Suspension, revocation, limitation and restriction of
     5     appointment; restoration of appointment.
     6     (a)  Grounds for suspension, revocation, limitation or
     7  restriction.--By its own action or pursuant to a written
     8  affidavit filed by a complainant, the court of common pleas may,  <--
     9  AFTER CONDUCTING A HEARING, suspend, revoke, limit or restrict
    10  an appointment of an individual to act as a humane society
    11  police officer in the county if the court determines any of the
    12  following:
    13         (1)  Being convicted of a felony or a serious misdemeanor
    14     in any Federal or State court or being convicted of the
    15     equivalent of a felony in any foreign country, territory or
    16     possession.
    17         (2)  Being convicted of an offense of cruelty to animals
    18     in any Federal or State court or being convicted of the
    19     equivalent of a cruelty to animals offense in any foreign
    20     country, territory or possession.
    21         (3)  Presenting false credentials or documents or making
    22     a false or misleading statement in the application for
    23     appointment or a certification of completion of additional
    24     training or submitting an application for appointment or a
    25     certification for completion of additional training
    26     containing a false or misleading statement.
    27         (4)  Carrying or possessing a firearm in the performance
    28     of his or her duties without certification pursuant to
    29     section 3712 (relating to limitation on possession of
    30     firearms).
    20030S0871B1730                  - 8 -     

     1         (5)  The individual has conducted his or her authority to
     2     enforce animal cruelty laws in a manner that is substandard
     3     of conduct normally expected of HUMANE SOCIETY police          <--
     4     officers.
     5     (b)  Notice to department.--Upon action by the court of
     6  common pleas to refuse, suspend, revoke, limit or restrict an
     7  appointment, the clerk of courts of the county shall forward
     8  such information to the department for the purpose of the
     9  Statewide registry established pursuant to section 3715
    10  (relating to Statewide registry).
    11     (c)  Restoration.--The court of common pleas may restore a
    12  suspended appointment of an individual if the individual
    13  provides to the court evidence sufficient to warrant restoration
    14  and the court determines the grounds for suspension have been
    15  satisfactorily corrected and the individual otherwise qualifies
    16  for appointment. In restoring the appointment, the court may
    17  continue to impose limitations and corrective measures the court
    18  determines to be necessary to ensure an individual's compliance
    19  with the requirements of this chapter.
    20  § 3708.  Termination of appointment.
    21     (a)  General rule.--All powers and authority granted to an
    22  individual under section 3709 (relating to powers and authority;
    23  jurisdiction) shall immediately terminate upon notice to the
    24  individual from the society or association for which appointed
    25  that services are no longer required of the individual.
    26     (b)  Notice to court.--The society or association must file
    27  notice within ten days of a termination of an individual as a
    28  humane society police officer with the clerk of courts in each
    29  county in which the individual has been appointed as a humane
    30  society police officer.
    20030S0871B1730                  - 9 -     

     1     (c)  Notice to department.--The society or association must
     2  file notice within ten days of a termination of an individual as
     3  a humane society police officer with the department for the
     4  purpose of providing information relevant to the Statewide
     5  registry established pursuant to section 3715 (relating to
     6  Statewide registry).
     7  § 3709.  Powers and authority; jurisdiction.
     8     (a)  Authority limited to county of appointment.--An
     9  individual appointed as a humane society police officer in
    10  accordance with this chapter shall have power and authority to
    11  exercise the powers conferred under 18 Pa.C.S. § 5511 (relating
    12  to cruelty to animals) in enforcement of animal cruelty laws
    13  only within the particular county whose court of common pleas
    14  issued the appointment. The individual has no power or authority
    15  to exercise the powers conferred under 18 Pa.C.S. § 5511 in any
    16  other county whose court of common pleas has not issued an
    17  appointment.
    18     (b)  Notice to district attorney.--Prior to exercising the
    19  power and authority set forth by this chapter within a county,
    20  each appointed humane society police officer shall file notice
    21  along with a copy of the appointment granted under this chapter
    22  with the district attorney of the county.
    23     (c)  Shield.--Every individual appointed as a humane society
    24  police officer under this chapter, when on duty, shall possess a  <--
    25  metallic shield with the words "humane society police officer"
    26  and the name of the society or association for which the
    27  individual is appointed displayed thereon.
    28     (d)  Photo identification.--Every individual appointed as a
    29  humane society police officer under this chapter shall have a
    30  photo identification card issued by the department that contains
    20030S0871B1730                 - 10 -     

     1  the following:
     2         (1)  A photo of the individual taken within the previous
     3     24 months.
     4         (2)  The name of the individual.
     5         (3)  The signature of the individual.
     6         (4)  The name of the society or association for which the
     7     individual is appointed as a humane society police officer.
     8         (5)  The address and telephone number of the society or
     9     association for which the individual is appointed as a humane
    10     society police officer.
    11         (6)  The date of issuance of the photo identification
    12     card.
    13  § 3710.  Penalties.
    14     (a)  Criminal penalties.--A person who violates this chapter
    15  commits a misdemeanor of the third degree and shall, upon
    16  conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of up to $1,000 or to
    17  imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both.
    18     (b)  Civil penalties.--In addition to any criminal penalties
    19  or other civil remedy, a person, association or society who
    20  violates this chapter may be subject to a civil penalty of up to
    21  $1,000.
    22     (c)  Disposition.--All fines and civil penalties imposed in
    23  accordance with this section shall be paid into the account.
    24  § 3711.  Search warrants.
    25     Notwithstanding contrary provisions of 18 Pa.C.S. § 5511(1)
    26  (relating to cruelty to animals) and in addition to the
    27  requirements of existing law, all search warrant applications
    28  filed in connection with alleged violations of cruelty to
    29  animals laws must have the approval of the district attorney in
    30  the county of the alleged offense prior to filing.
    20030S0871B1730                 - 11 -     

     1  § 3712.  Limitation on possession of firearms.
     2     No individual appointed as a humane society police officer
     3  shall carry, possess or use a firearm in the performance of that
     4  individual's duties unless that individual holds a current and
     5  valid certification in the use and handling of firearms pursuant
     6  to at least one of the following:
     7         (1)  53 Pa.C.S. Ch 21 Subch. D (relating to municipal
     8     police education and training).
     9         (2)  The act of October 10, 1974 (P.L.705, No.235), known
    10     as the Lethal Weapons Training Act.
    11         (3)  The act of February 9, 1984 (P.L.3, No.2), known as
    12     the Deputy Sheriffs' Education and Training Act.
    13         (4)  Any other firearms program that has been determined
    14     by the Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police to be of
    15     sufficient scope and duration as to provide the participant
    16     with basic training in the use and handling of firearms.
    17  § 3713.  Training program.
    18     (a)  Required training.--Every individual, prior to the
    19  society or association making application for appointment as a
    20  humane society police officer, shall successfully complete the
    21  minimum requirements for initial training prescribed in the
    22  program for initial training of humane society police officers
    23  established in accordance with subsections (b), (c), (d) and
    24  (e).
    25     (b)  Contracts.--The secretary, with the advice of the board,
    26  shall contract with an accredited college or university,
    27  including a community college or other public or private entity
    28  for the establishment of a program for the training of
    29  individuals to act as humane society police officers. The
    30  contracted entity shall forward information pertaining to an
    20030S0871B1730                 - 12 -     

     1  individual's successful completion of the initial training
     2  program to the department for the purpose of maintaining the
     3  Statewide registry established pursuant to section 3715
     4  (relating to Statewide registry).
     5     (c)  Minimum requirements.--The program for the training of
     6  humane society police officers shall include, at a minimum, 60
     7  hours of instruction in accordance with subsection (d).
     8     (d)  Curriculum.--The program for the training of humane
     9  society police officers shall provide instruction in the
    10  following instructional areas:
    11         (1)  At least 36 hours of instruction shall be provided
    12     on the following:
    13             (i)  Pennsylvania cruelty to animal laws.
    14             (ii)  Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure.
    15             (iii)  Care and treatment of animals.
    16             (iv)  Proper execution of search warrants.
    17             (v)  Proper search and seizure practices.
    18             (vi)  Any other areas relating to law enforcement
    19         duties.
    20         (2)  At least 24 hours of instruction shall be provided
    21     on the following:
    22             (i)  Animal husbandry practices constituting normal
    23         agricultural operation.
    24             (ii)  Practices accepted in the agricultural industry
    25         in the raising, keeping and production of agricultural
    26         animals.
    27             (iii)  Characteristics of agricultural animals likely
    28         evidencing care that is in violation of the cruelty to
    29         animal laws.
    30             (iv)  Proper care and handling of agricultural
    20030S0871B1730                 - 13 -     

     1         animals pursuant to enforcement of the cruelty to animals
     2         laws.
     3             (v)  Treatments administered and research conducted
     4         during the normal scope of veterinarian practices.
     5     (e)  Final examination.--The training program shall require
     6  individuals, as a prerequisite to successful completion of the
     7  program, to take and pass a final examination that sufficiently
     8  measures the individuals's knowledge and understanding of the
     9  instructional material.
    10     (f)  Current officers.--Individuals who have been appointed
    11  as humane society police officers prior to the effective date of
    12  this chapter are exempt from the initial training requirements
    13  pursuant to this section provided that the individual can
    14  provide proof to the secretary of successful completion of a
    15  similar training program for humane society police officers
    16  established under the act of December 12, 1994 (P.L.956,
    17  No.135), known as the Humane Society Police Officer Enforcement
    18  Act.
    19  § 3714.  Continuing education program.
    20     (a)  Required training.--During each two-year period
    21  following the date in which an individual has been initially
    22  appointed as a humane society police officer, the individual
    23  shall successfully complete the minimum requirements for
    24  additional training prescribed in the program for continuous
    25  education of humane society police officers established in
    26  accordance with subsections (b), (c), (d) and (e).
    27     (b)  Contracts.--The secretary, with the advice of the board,
    28  shall contract with an accredited college or university,
    29  including a community college, or other public or private entity
    30  for the establishment of a continuing education program for the
    20030S0871B1730                 - 14 -     

     1  training of individuals to act as humane society police
     2  officers. The contracted entity shall forward information
     3  pertaining to an individual's successful completion of the
     4  continuing education program to the department for the purpose
     5  of maintaining the Statewide registry established pursuant to
     6  section 3715 (relating to Statewide registry.)
     7     (c)  Minimum requirements.--The continuing education program
     8  for the training of humane society police officers shall
     9  include, at a minimum, ten hours of instruction in accordance
    10  with subsection (d).
    11     (d)  Curriculum.--The program for the training of humane
    12  society police officers shall provide instruction in the
    13  following instructional areas:
    14         (1)  At least six hours of instruction shall be provided
    15     on the following:
    16             (i)  Pennsylvania cruelty to animals laws.
    17             (ii)  Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure.
    18             (iii)  Care and treatment of animals.
    19             (iv)  Proper completion of search warrants.
    20             (v)  Proper search and seizure practices.
    21             (vi)  Any other areas relating to law enforcement
    22         duties.
    23         (2)  At least four hours of instruction shall be provided
    24     on the following:
    25             (i)  Animal husbandry practices constituting normal
    26         agricultural operation.
    27             (ii)  Practices accepted in the agricultural industry
    28         in the raising, keeping and production of agricultural
    29         animals.
    30             (iii)  Characteristics of agricultural animals likely
    20030S0871B1730                 - 15 -     

     1         evidencing care that is in violation of the cruelty to
     2         animals laws.
     3             (iv)  Proper care and handling of agricultural
     4         animals pursuant to enforcement of the cruelty to animals
     5         laws.
     6             (v)  Treatments administered and research conducted
     7         during the normal scope of veterinarian practices.
     8     (e)  Automatic suspension.--Failure to complete the
     9  continuing education program as prescribed in subsection (a)
    10  shall result in an individual's automatic suspension of the
    11  powers and authority set forth in section 3709 (relating to
    12  powers and authority; jurisdiction) until such time as the
    13  individual successfully completes the continuing education
    14  requirements.
    15  § 3715.  Statewide registry.
    16     (a)  Establishment.--There is hereby established a Statewide
    17  registry within the department for the purpose of maintaining
    18  information relating to individuals appointed as humane society
    19  police officers.
    20     (b)  Access to registry.--The information included within the
    21  Statewide registry shall be made accessible to the public
    22  through the department's World Wide Web site and shall include
    23  the following:
    24         (1)  The name of each individual appointed as a humane
    25     society police officer.
    26         (2)  The name and address of the society or association
    27     for which each individual is appointed as a humane society
    28     police officer.
    29         (3)  The counties in which the individual has been
    30     appointed as a humane society police officer and dates of
    20030S0871B1730                 - 16 -     

     1     appointment.
     2         (4)  The counties in which the individual has had an
     3     appointment revoked, suspended, limited or restricted, the
     4     action taken by the court and dates of action.
     5         (5)  The dates of successful completion of the training
     6     program established in section 3713 (relating to training
     7     program) and the continuing education program established in
     8     section 3714 (relating to continuing education program).
     9     (c)  Updates.--The department shall update the registry
    10  within ten days of receiving information required for inclusion
    11  on the Statewide registry.
    12     (d)  Confidential information.--At no time shall the home
    13  address or any other related personal information of an
    14  individual appointed as a humane society police office be made
    15  public through the Statewide registry.
    16  § 3716.  Humane Society Police Officer Advisory Board.
    17     (a)  Advisory board.--The secretary shall appoint a Humane
    18  Society Police Officer Advisory Board to advise him in the
    19  administration of this chapter.
    20     (b)  Membership.--The board shall consist of the following:
    21         (1)  The secretary or his designee, who shall act as a
    22     chairman.
    23         (2)  A representative of a society or association for the
    24     prevention of cruelty to animals.
    25         (3)  A humane society police officer.
    26         (4)  A representative of a Statewide veterinary medical
    27     association.
    28         (5)  A representative of a farm organization.
    29         (6)  A district attorney or his designee.
    30         (7)  A representative of the police.
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     1         (8)  A district justice.
     2         (9)  A court of common pleas judge or his designee.
     3         (10)  A clerk of courts.
     4     (c)  Terms.--The length of the initial term of each
     5  appointment to the board shall be set by the secretary and shall
     6  be staggered so that the terms of approximately one-third of the
     7  appointments expire every other year.
     8     (d)  Absences.--Three consecutive unexcused absences from
     9  regular board meetings or failure to attend at least 50% of the
    10  regularly scheduled board meetings in any calendar year shall be
    11  considered cause for termination of appointment unless the
    12  secretary, upon written request of the member, finds that the
    13  member should be excused from attending a meeting because of
    14  illness or death of a family member or for a similar emergency.
    15     (e)  Vacancies.--Vacancies in the membership of the board
    16  shall be filled for the balance of an unexpired term in the same
    17  manner as the original appointment.
    18     (f)  Recommendations.--The board may make nonbinding
    19  recommendations to the secretary on all matters related to the
    20  provisions of this chapter.
    21  § 3717.  Humane Society Police Officer Account.
    22     (a)  Establishment.--There is hereby established the Humane
    23  Society Police Officer Account, a special restricted account
    24  within the General Fund.
    25     (b)  Sources.--All money paid into the State Treasury under
    26  the provisions of this chapter, including, but not limited to,
    27  fees, fines, penalties and surcharges, shall be paid into the
    28  Humane Society Police Officer Account.
    29     (c)  Purpose.--The department shall use the funds in the
    30  account for the following:
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     1         (1)  All expenses of the secretary and the department in
     2     administering their duties under this chapter.
     3         (2)  All payments for promotional and educational
     4     activities.
     5         (3)  All training and continuing education required under
     6     sections 3713 (relating to training program) and 3714
     7     (relating to continuing education program).
     8  § 3718.  Costs.
     9     (a)  Levy and imposition.--In addition to any fines, fees or
    10  other penalties levied or imposed under this chapter or any
    11  other statute, a cost of $50 shall be imposed upon conviction
    12  for any violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 5511 (relating to cruelty to
    13  animals) other than a summary offense. Costs collected under
    14  this subsection shall be disposed of in accordance with
    15  subsection (b).
    16     (b)  Disposition.--Notwithstanding the provisions of 42
    17  Pa.C.S. §§ 3571 (relating to Commonwealth portion of fines,
    18  etc.) and 3573 (relating to municipal corporation portion of
    19  fines, etc.), all costs imposed and collected under subsection
    20  (a) by a division of the unified judicial system existing under
    21  section 1 of Article V of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and
    22  42 Pa.C.S. § 301 (relating to unified judicial system) shall be
    23  remitted to the Commonwealth for deposit in the Humane Society
    24  Police Officer Account established pursuant to section 3717
    25  (relating to Humane Society Police Officer Account). The costs
    26  collected under subsection (a) shall not be used for any other
    27  purpose.
    28  § 3719.  Applicability to currently appointed individuals.
    29     Any individual appointed prior to the effective date of this
    30  chapter as a humane society police officer in the county of the
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     1  registered office of the society or association for which the
     2  individual was previously appointed shall not be required to
     3  apply for appointment by the court of common pleas in that
     4  county under this chapter. Such individual shall be required to
     5  apply for appointment pursuant to section 3704 (relating to
     6  appointment by nonprofit corporations) in each county other than
     7  the initial county of appointment if directed by the society or
     8  association.
     9     Section 3.  The act of December 12, 1994 (P.L.956, No.135),
    10  known as the Humane Society Police Officer Enforcement Act, is
    11  repealed.
    12     Section 4.  This act shall take effect in 60 180 days.         <--












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