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 969 failed to pass the Assembly Appropriations Committee by a legislative deadline and is ineligible for the remainder of the session. The bill provided for the voluntary certification of pet groomers, defined as "an individual, licensed as a pet groomer, who bathes, brushes, clips, or styles a pet for compensation."

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 concerns that enactment of SB 1221 would set a precedent for outlawing others forms of hunting with dogs. AKC GR sent letters to members of the legislature and alerted California performance clubs. The bill passed the full Assembly and is in the Senate awaiting a vote to concur with Assembly amendments.

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.

Maryland — Senate Bill 2/House Bill 2 were introduced in a Maryland special legislative session to immediately address the breed-specific concerns that resulted from a recent Court of Appeals ruling. While the bills received initial approval, they have been held in the Senate. The Maryland General Assembly is expected to introduce and consider legislation on this issue during the 2013 session. On August 21, 2012, the Court of Appeals issued a decision regarding a motion for reconsideration. This decision stated in part that the provisions no longer apply to mixed-breed dogs, but only purebred "pit bull" dogs. It also stated again that the landlord should be held liable if they knowingly allow a "pit bull" to be owned by a tenant and an incident occurs. AKC GR is analyzing this decision and its impact. AKC GR and the Maryland Dog Federation continue to work with the General Assembly to develop reasonable solutions to concerns regarding dangerous dogs in the state.

Massachusetts — Senate Bill 2192 was signed by Governor Deval Patrick in early August. The bill creates a new statewide definition of "dangerous dog" that prevents a dog from being declared dangerous only because of the dog's breed; provides for state inspection of kennels; and establishes the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund to help offset costs associated with the medical care of dogs and cats owned by low-income residents or that are not owned, and to assist with the training of animal control officers. A last minute amendment to the bill also requires all outdoor enclosures to be at least 100 square feet in size. Click here for information on SB 2192.

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 breeding in Ohio, defined as those who produce at least 9 litters of puppies and sell 60 or more dogs in a calendar year. A number of changes requested by AKC GR have been incorporated into the bill, including removing problematic standards and ensuring that high volume breeders are represented on a proposed advisory board. The AKC remains concerned that the new definition of "kennel" could be interpreted to mean any owner of an intact dog. While those who fall under this definition will not be affected by Senate Bill 130, the AKC continues to request that this amendment be stricken and the definition of kennel remain as it is in current law, which clarifies that a kennel license is required for those who are "professionally engaged in the business of breeding dogs..." SB 130 has passed the Senate and is pending in the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee. The House committee chairman has expressed an interest in further amending the bill. AKC GR and AKC's Ohio federation continue to closely monitor SB 130. The House is currently in summer recess. Read more about this legislation.