I support full transparency in all shelters.  This bill will clarify the regulations that already exist, requiring record keeping and public access to records that MUST be maintained by animals shelters.  I further support clarifying the penalties for non-compliant shelters, and especially organizations, public or private who deny the public access to those records, as I have requested copies of records that the public is entitled to inspect under 3.1-796.105B from PETA Norfolk hq "shelter" and have had NO reply to my request.  I have complained to VDACS and have had no further assistance obtaining the records for each animal that PETA has "taken in" from Accomack County, VA in 2014, where I live, and the disposition of each animal.  This bill will not change the way shelters operate, in that they already are required to maintain public records.  However, it will provide the public with more transparency and clarity with regards to the disposition of animals in each organization's custody.  By having full transparency, organizations will be less likely to ignore the existing regulations, and the regulatory agencies will be better able to address pubic complaints.