Vermont Senate Bill 259 would require the Secretary of Agriculture, Food, and Markets to submit a comprehensive report on animal welfare in Vermont by January 15, 2023, including draft legislation necessary for the state to meet or exceed animal protection laws in other New England states. The bill additionally would create an Animal Welfare Division in the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Markets. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and would take effect on July 1, 2022.