Kansas establishes raccoon ownership permit framework, veterinary mandates, and fee schedules

Original title: AN ACT concerning animals; authorizing the animal health commissioner to issue permits for raccoon ownership; mandating that such raccoons be vaccinated against rabies and other diseases and undergo annual veterinary checkups; prohibiting persons from breeding raccoons in captivity unless any such person is federally licensed for such purpose; requiring the completion of an educational program on raccoon care before permit issuance; implementing public awareness campaigns; allowing inspections of permittee premises once per year unless violations or complaints arise; providing for rehoming or euthanasia of a raccoon if a permittee is unfit to care therefor; prohibiting local regulations that are stricter than state law regarding raccoon ownership; authorizing the commissioner to set fees for applications, renewals, inspections and transfers, with fines for violations; allowing for appeal or deferment of permit fees in extraordinary circumstances, with potential fee waivers for ownership transfers.