Humane Society Legislative Fund

“OFFICERS Amundson, Block, Briggs, Ciccolo, Corcoran, Flocken, Frackleton, Hall, Paquette, PARRA, and Taylor WERE EMPLOYED BY ANOTHER ORGANIZATION ON WHOSE BOARD DIRECTORS KANGAS, LAUE, LINEHAN, Mcmillen, AND SABATINO SERVED. THEREFORE, THESE INDIVIDUALS HAD "BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS" WITH EACH OTHER. - Business relationship”

“AFTER THE INTERNAL ACCOUNTING STAFF OF the ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF, DRAFTS THE 990, THE DRAFT IS SUBMITTED TO the ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF'S CORPORATE OFFICERS AND OUTSIDE INDEPENDENT TAX PREPARERS FOR THEIR REVIEW AND REVISION. THE REVISED DRAFT IS THEN GIVEN TO the ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF'S CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER FOR FURTHER REVIEW. ONCE ALL STAFF AND PROFESSIONAL REVIEWS/REVISIONS ARE DONE, THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER SENDS THE PROPOSED FINAL OF THE FORM 990 TO THE BOARD FOR ITS CONSIDERATION. ONCE THE BOARD HAS HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW AND COMMENT, THE FINALIZED VERSION IS FILED WITH THE IRS.”

“The ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF, IS AN AFFILIATE OF HUMANE WORLD FOR ANIMALS, INC., FKA THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES (HSUS). ALL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF HUMANE WORLD FOR ANIMALS, INC., FKA HSUS, APPLY TO the ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF, INCLUDING, INTER ALIA, THOSE CODIFIED IN THE CURRENT EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK OF HUMANE WORLD FOR ANIMALS, INC., FKA HSUS. IN CASES WHERE THE LITERAL READING OF THE HUMANE WORLD FOR ANIMALS, INC., FKA HSUS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MAY OR COULD CAUSE CONFUSION (E.G., THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY'S REFERENCES TO HUMANE WORLD FOR ANIMALS, INC., FKA HSUS DIRECTORS), FOR PURPOSES OF INTERNAL ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF ACTIVITIES, THESE POLICIES WILL BE READ TO APPLY AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO the ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF, MAKING SUBSTITUTIONS IN TERMINOLOGY AS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED GOAL. IN CASE OF ANY CONFLICT BETWEEN THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE HUMANE WORLD FOR ANIMALS, INC., FKA HSUS, AND the ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF, THE STRICTER WILL CONTROL. The ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF, HAS ADOPTED A CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY TO REINFORCE THE OBLIGATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS TO DISCLOSE ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL CONFLICTS. THE POLICY COVERS the ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS. The ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF BOARD MEMBERS AND/OR OFFICERS WHO ARE DIRECTORS OR SENIOR STAFF MEMBERS OF HUMANE WORLD FOR ANIMALS, FKA HSUS ARE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL ANNUAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS IN THOSE CAPACITIES. A DECISION AS TO WHETHER A CONFLICT EXISTS AND HOW IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED WITH REGARD TO the ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF IS MADE AT THE ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF EXECUTIVE LEVEL OR, IF NECESSARY, BY ITS BOARD. CONSIDERATION OF POSSIBLE CONFLICTS IS ALSO PROVIDED DURING THE LEGAL REVIEW OF PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS AND CONCERNS ARE ADDRESSED BEFORE PROCEEDING. INDIVIDUALS HAVING POSSIBLE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST CANNOT VOTE OR PARTICIPATE IN BOARD OR COMMITTEE DELIBERATIONS ON THE SUBJECT OR TO BE COUNTED TOWARD MEETING A QUORUM; HOWEVER, THEY MAY RESPOND TO QUESTIONS.”

“The ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF, MAKES ITS ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS AVAILABLE TO DONORS FREE OF CHARGE UPON REQUEST. FORMAL AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE FILED WITH STATE CHARITABLE SOLICITATION REGISTRATIONS AND ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO MAJOR DONORS AND, WHERE REQUIRED BY STATE LAW, TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC BY MAIL UPON REQUEST. The ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF, MAKES COPIES OF ITS FORM 1024 APPLICATION FOR RECOGNITION OF TAX-EXEMPT STATUS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST BOTH BY MAIL AND IN PERSON AT the ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF'S HEADQUARTERS IN WASHINGTON, DC. The ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF, MAKES COPIES OF THE THREE MOST RECENTLY-FILED FORMS 990 AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST BOTH BY MAIL AND IN PERSON AT the ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF'S HEADQUARTERS IN WASHINGTON, DC, AS WELL AS ON the ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF'S WEBSITE, AS SET FORTH IN IRS CODE SECTION 6104(D). THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY HAS NOT BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.”

“The action fund, fka hslf's mission is to undertake and support programs designed to enhance and protect the status of animals through education of the public and mobilization of public opinion and through the reform of laws, enactment of remedial legislation and changes in public policy. The goal of the action fund, fka hslf, is to advance social welfare by helping to pass state and federal laws that protect animals from cruelty, suffering, and unnecessary killing and use.”

“CONTINUED FROM PART III, LINE 4a FEDERAL AFFAIRS ALSO WORKED IN SUPPORT OF OTHER ANIMAL PROTECTION BILLS SUCH AS THE PET AND WOMEN SAFETY REAUTHORIZATION (PAWS) ACT OF 2023 (S. 2734), CAPTIVE PRIMATE SAFETY ACT H.R.8164 / S.4206), PROHIBIT WILDLIFE KILLING CONTESTS ACT (H.R. 8492), AND VETERINARY SERVICES TO IMPROVE PUBLIC HEALTH IN RURAL COMMUNITIES ACT (S.4365). FEDERAL AFFAIRS LOBBIED AGAINST THE EXPOSING AGRICULTURAL TRADE SUPPRESSION (EATS) ACT (S.2019/H.R.4417), WHICH COULD WIPE OUT OVER A THOUSAND STATE LAWS RELATING TO THE PRODUCTION AND SALE OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, MANDATING THAT IF ANY STATE TOLERATES A PRACTICE - NO MATTER HOW HAZARDOUS, DESTRUCTIVE, OR INHUMANE TO PEOPLE OR ANIMALS - OTHER STATES MUST PERMIT IT, TOO. FEDERAL AFFAIRS ALSO LOBBIED AGAINST THE PROTECTING INTERSTATE COMMERCE FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS ACT (S.3382), A BILL SIMILAR IN NATURE TO THE EATS ACT. FEDERAL AFFAIRS LOBBIED AGAINST LEGISLATION THAT WOULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT WILDLIFE SUCH AS THE TRUST THE SCIENCE ACT (H.R. 764) AND PROTECTING ACCESS FOR HUNTERS AND ANGLERS ACT (H.R. 615). FEDERAL AFFAIRS LOBBIED FOR AND AGAINST PROVISIONS IN THE FEDERAL FARM BILL (H.R. 8467/S. 5335). THIS INCLUDES SUPPORT FOR THE INCLUSION OF ANIMAL WELFARE IMPROVEMENTS LIKE THE BETTER CARE FOR ANIMALS ACT AND PUPPY PROTECTION ACT AND THE EXCLUSION OF LANGUAGE THAT WOULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT ANIMALS LIKE THE EATS ACT. REGULATORY: FEDERAL AFFAIRS ENCOURAGED THE USFWS TO FINALIZE A RULE THAT WOULD BETTER REGULATE THE IMPORTS OF AFRICAN ELEPHANTS AND THEIR PARTS, LIKE HUNTING TROPHIES, INTO THE UNITED STATES WHICH WAS FINALIZED IN MARCH 2024. FEDERAL AFFAIRS ENCOURAGED THE NPS TO FINALIZE A RULE TO BAN BEAR BAITING PRACTICES ON NATIONAL PRESERVES IN ALASKA. THIS RULE WAS FINALIZED IN JUNE 2024. FEDERAL AFFAIRS ENCOURAGED THE USDA TO FINALIZE ITS HORSE PROTECTION ACT RULE TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF DEVICES AND SUBSTANCES INTEGRAL TO SORING AND ELIMINATE THE INDUSTRY-RUN ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM AND ASSIGN SOLE RESPONSBILITY TO USDA APHIS TO SCREEN, TRAIN AND AUTHORIZE INSPECTORS. THIS RULE WAS FINALIZED IN MAY 2024. FEDERAL AFFAIRS ENCOURAGED THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH TO RETIRE FEDERALLY OWNED CHIMPANZEES FORMERLY USED IN RESEARCH TO CHIMP HAVEN, THE FEDERAL SANCTUARY IN LOUISIANA. NIH ANNOUNCED IN NOVEMBER 2024 THAT THE 23 REMAINING CHIMPS AT ALAMOGORDO AIR FORCE BASED WOULD BE MOVED TO SANCTUARY IN 2025. FEDERAL AFFAIRS ENCOURAGED THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINSTRATION TO REDUCE ANIMAL TESTING THROUGH A PETITION, FILED IN MAY 2024, REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY TAKE A SERIES OF STEPS TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT ANIMAL TESTING IS NOT LEGALLY REQUIRED FOR DRUG APPROVAL AND THAT THE AGENCY ENCOURAGE COMPANIES TO USE NON-ANIMAL METHODS WHEN AVAILABLE. APPROPRIATIONS: THE ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF, PRIORITIZED SEEKING POSITIVE ANIMAL PROTECTION PROVISIONS AND LANGUAGE IN THE FY25 APPROPRIATIONS LEGISLATION. THIS INCLUDED FUNDING TO STRENGTHEN ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS AGAINST HORSE SORING, FUNDING TO EXPAND SHELTERING OPTIONS FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND THEIR PETS, AND FUNDING TO PROVIDE STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT TO VETERINARIANS WORKING IN UNDERSERVED AREAS. THE ACTION FUND, FKA HSLF, ALSO WORKED TO SECURE DIRECTIVES TO PREVENT HORSE SLAUGHTER IN THE U.S., DIRECT THE FDA AND EPA TO REDUCE ANIMAL TESTING AND ADVANCE NON-ANIMAL METHODS, DIRECT FWS TO FULLY IMPLEMENT THE BIG CAT PUBLIC SAFETY ACT, DIRECT NOAA TO FULLY IMPLEMENT THE SHARK FIN SALES ELIMINATION ACT, DIRECT THAT THE DOJ AND USDA TO SHARE INFORMATION ON ANIMAL WELFARE ACT VIOLATIONS, ENHANCE ANIMAL WELFARE ENFORCEMENT AT PUPPY MILLS, ZOOS, AND OTHER FACILITIES, DIRECT THE CDC TO MODIFY THEIR RULES ON THE IMPORTATION OF DOGS, PROHIBIT EFFORTS TO UNDERMINE STATE FARM ANIMAL WELFARE LAWS, PROHIBIT EFFORTS TO WEAKEN THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT INCLUDING DELISTING NATIVE CARNIVORES LIKE THE GRAY WOLF AND GRIZZLY BEAR, AND PROHIBIT FUNDING FOR EXPANDING PRIMATE INFRASTRUCTURE AT NIH.”

“CONTINUED FROM PART III, LINE 4b COALITION-BUILDING: The Action Fund, fka HSLF, BUILDS PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATES IN AREAS OF COMMON INTEREST WITH INDUSTRY TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AND THEIR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS AND WORKS WITH OTHER NON-PROFITS ON A RANGE OF ANIMAL-RELATED ISSUES. ANIMALS & POLITICS: The Action Fund, fka HSLF, PUBLISHED ONLINE VERSIONS OF THE BLOG "ANIMALS & POLITICS" WHICH PROVIDES DETAILED REPORTS OF ACTIVITIES REGARDING LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS, AND POLICIES AS WELL AS NEWS UPDATES AND ACTION ALERTS. THE BLOG IS A CRUCIAL CHANNEL FOR the Action Fund, fka HSLF, PUBLIC POLICY EDUCATION EFFORTS.”

“Continued from part iii, line 4c the action fund, fka hslf, also endorsed 34 candidates for state legislature in indiana, one candidate for sheriff, one candidate for board of county supervisors, and 58 candidates for state legislature in iowa, 19 candidates for state legislature in kansas, 40 candidates for state legislature in massachusetts, 24 candidates for state legislature in michigan, 12 candidates for state legislature in missouri, one candidate for mayor, one candidate for county comission, and 22 candidates for state legislature in nevada, one candidate for governor and 26 candidates for state legislature in new hampshire, one candidate for district attorney and 53 candidates for state legislature in new york, one candidate for attorney general and 6 candidates for state legislature in north carolina, 29 candidates for state legislature in oregon, and 67 candidates for state legislature in texas. The action fund, fka hslf, solicited funds through peer-to-peer fundraising of its members for its federal affiliated political action committee and several state affiliated political action committees.”

“Humane World for Animals, Inc., fka The Humane Society of the United States, pays wages to the employees of the Action Fund, fka HSLF, and files all required federal employment tax returns, including Form W-3. The Action Fund, fka HSLF, does not report employees on Form W-3.”

“General Consultants - Total Expense: 650530, Program Service Expense: 524452, Management and General Expenses: 14433, Fundraising Expenses: 111645; Voter outreach - Total Expense: 216487, Program Service Expense: 174530, Management and General Expenses: 4803, Fundraising Expenses: 37154;”

“The process for overseeing the audit of the financial statements and selection of an independent accountant that audited the financial statements has been consistent with prior years. The audited financial statements are reviewed by the board which acts as its own committee.”