Five state legislatures and the District of Columbia are in regular session. Bills have been prefiled for the 2013 session in four states. So far this year, AKC GR has tracked more than 1,450 state bills that could impact dogs and dog ownership. For the latest information on state and federal bills being tracked by AKC GR, visit the 2012 Legislation Tracking page. This page, updated each weekday, provides the latest bill text, status, and legislative alerts posted by the AKC. For more information on any of the measures mentioned, contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.

Here are some highlights of the state bills AKC GR is currently tracking.

California — Senate Bill 1221 would prohibit using dogs in the pursuit of a bear or bobcat. AKC GR joined other sportsmen's organizations in expressing serious concerns that enactment of SB 1221 would set a precedent for outlawing others forms of hunting with dogs. AKC GR alerted California performance clubs and sent letters to members of the legislature and governor. The bill has passed the legislature and is pending action by Governor Brown.

Delaware — Senate Concurrent Resolution 44 establishes an Animal Welfare Task Force "to consider and evaluate the state of animal welfare in Delaware." This task force is directed to "convene as soon as possible" and conduct at least one public hearing prior to providing written recommendations to the legislature in March 2013. The AKC will closely monitor this resolution and task force and provide more information as it becomes available. The resolution has been approved by both the Senate and House.

New Jersey — Senate Bill 1840 / Assembly Bill 2746 are being described as consumer protection bills but instead seek to significantly regulate breeders across the state, including licensing, inspections, onerous breeding and sales restrictions, and care and conditions rules. Both bills have been assigned to committee, but neither has been scheduled for consideration. AKC GR continues to work closely with the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs and other allied groups in opposition to the bills as currently written.

Ohio — Senate Bill 130 seeks to regulate "high volume" dog breeders in Ohio, currently defined as those who produce 9 litters of puppies and sell 60 puppies in a calendar year. A substitute version of the bill was recently released, but withdrawn. A new version of the bill is expected when the House comes back from recess after the November elections. The bill has passed the Senate and is currently pending in the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee. AKC GR and its Ohio federation continue to work with the committee chairman, the Ohio Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources, and the Speaker of the House to address concerns with the measure. Read more about this legislation.

Texas — The Licensed Breeders Advisory Committee of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issued a draft of penalties to be assessed under the Texas Dog and Cat Breeders Act. The Act was passed by the legislature in 2011 and became effective on September 1, 2012. TDLR accepted comments on the draft through September 12. AKC GR alerted Texas clubs and breeders about the draft and opportunity to comment. AKC GR will provide additional updates as information is available.