Legislative Alerts

Friday, June 2, was the deadline in California for 2023 bills to pass out of the chamber in which they were introduced. AKC continues to monitor several bills impacting dog owners in California. Although no action is needed at this time, below are a few highlights of where legislation stands after the June 2 deadline. […]

At the request of the author, California Assembly Bill 742 limiting the use of police canines has been moved to the inactive file, meaning it will not advance this session. After recent amendments, this bill would have restricted the use of police canines for the purpose of arrest, apprehension, or any form of crowd control. […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) would like to clarify that Connecticut Senate Bill 1069 has been transferred to Governor Ned Lamont for executive action.  While other states assign a “Public Act” number to new laws after receiving a governor’s approval, Connecticut assigns one to legislation that is being prepared to be presented to the Governor […]

Today, the Pennsylvania Senate Agriculture and Rural Affaires Committee unanimously adopted an amendment requested and drafted by the AKC to remove language requiring an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection for anyone coming into the Commonwealth for dog events or hunting.  Instead, the bill maintains the current exemption for those entering Pennsylvania for under 30 days. […]

Both the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners (CFDRDO) are delighted to report that a further amended SB 1069 was signed into law yesterday by Connecticut Governor Lamont.  Now Public Act No. 23-17, the new law is the result of AKC outreach and grassroots lobbying by […]

Recently, the Pennsylvania Senate introduced legislation to update Pennsylvania's Dog Law.  This includes positive changes such as removing the different prices for licensing an intact as opposed to a sterilized dog.  The bill as written also includes numerous requirements for those currently licensed as a kennel by the state, as well as those operating as […]

The Nevada Legislature and the governor are considering several bills impacting dog owners as the session nears its end. To see the complete list visit the AKC legislative tracker in the AKC Legislative Action Center at www.akcgr.org.  AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will continue to provide updates and alerts on these and other bills that […]

This past weekend, the 2023 Texas Regular Legislative Session adjourned. AKC tracked 49 bills this session, and below are updates on significant bills of interest impacting Texas dog owners, trainers, and handlers. A special session was called and began on May 30. AKC will continue to track newly introduced legislation throughout the special session. We […]

Governor Abbot has signed SB 876 further regulating Texas dog breeders. While the new law goes into effect on September 1, 2023, someone that owns between 5 and 11 intact females will have until January 1, 2024, to come into compliance.  The law will require anyone that both owns 5 or more intact females and […]

This past weekend, the Illinois General Assembly adjourned a very busy spring session for dog owners and trainers. We thank the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs, and all who took the time to file witness slips and contact legislators.  Together we are making a difference for dogs in Illinois. Below are the latest updates on […]