About the IaPBA Legislative Fund

The IaPBA Legislative Fund exists to ensure licensed dog breeders have professional representation when laws, regulations, and enforcement practices affecting our industry are discussed. This fund is separate from membership dues and operating accounts and is used solely for legislative representation.

At both the federal and state levels, there are active efforts to expand regulation and enforcement of dog breeders. Several federal bills affecting breeder regulation have been introduced and are currently in committee, and states continue to face pressure to adopt stricter oversight and enforcement models. In addition, enforcement practices are changing even where formal regulations have not yet been finalized.

On the federal level, the Farm Bill is overdue, and it is widely understood that large legislative packages like the Farm Bill are often used to advance regulatory language that may not pass as standalone bills. This creates a real risk that breeder-related provisions move forward with limited opportunity for meaningful input once the process advances.

Our legislative representation is provided by a professional lobbyist at a cost of $28,000 per year. Maintaining consistent funding allows the Association to remain informed, engaged, and present as these developments unfold — rather than responding after decisions have already been made.

To make this achievable, members are encouraged to consider a $42 monthly contribution. Over the course of a year, this totals $504, which qualifies the donor for a complimentary IaPBA membership for that year. The $42 amount was chosen specifically to exceed the $500 annual threshold while keeping the monthly contribution manageable.

If 56 members commit to this level of recurring support, the Legislative Fund will be fully funded for the year. Recurring contributions allow the Association to budget responsibly and maintain uninterrupted legislative representation during a period of increased legislative activity.

Participation is voluntary, and any contribution is appreciated. One-time donations, smaller recurring amounts, and partial-year support all help strengthen the fund.

Donors who contribute more than $500 in a calendar year and are otherwise eligible for membership will have their IaPBA membership paid in full for that year. Contributions do not provide additional voting rights or governance authority and are restricted solely to legislative representation.