The California Legislature has returned from its summer break and continues to consider a variety of legislative issues which could impact animals and animal owners.
Bills currently advancing include the following:
- HR 63: Supporting Working and Service Dogs – This resolution supported by the AKC declares September as Service Dog Awareness Month and recognizes the tremendous value and contribution these dogs make in the lives of individuals and the community. Read AKC’s previous alert for more information.
This resolution unanimously passed the Assembly Rules Committee and is set for consideration by the full Assembly. California residents are encouraged to contact their Assembly Member in support of this resolution. Visit http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov and type in your address to find the name and contact information for your Assembly Member. Be sure to mention that you are a constituent when contacting them.
- AB 468: Regulating Emotional Support Animals – This bill would further clarify the difference between true service animals and emotional support animals in the state. AKC appreciates the efforts being made by the legislature to clearly differentiate between service dogs who are individually trained as service animals to mitigate disabilities and those meant to provide solely emotional support. In particular, we appreciate and commend their clarification that the state does not allow emotional support animals to be granted the same access and privileges as trained service animals. Read AKC’s previous alert for more information.
The bill has passed the Assembly and been approved by Senate committees. It is now pending consideration by the full Senate. If you wish to comment, visit http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov and type in your address to find the name and contact information for your Senator. Be sure to mention that you are a constituent when contacting them.
- AB 1282: Regulating Canine Blood Banks – As passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee, this bill allows for closed-colony animal blood banks so long as, among other requirements, the animals are housed and maintained within California state boundaries. No new closed-colony banks may be licensed in the state. The bill also provides a procedure for the phasing out of current “closed-colony” animal blood banks if blood banks using community-sourced blood are able to collect the same amount of blood as the commercial banks.
In addition, the bill provides for community blood banks, defined as commercial banks that produce animal blood and blood components solely from community-sourced animals whose owners voluntarily consent to the donation. Closed-colony banks may transition to become community blood banks.
AKC is not taking a formal position on this legislation, which is now pending consideration by the full Senate. If you wish to comment, visit http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov and type in your address to find the name and contact information for your Senator.
AKC Government Relations continues to monitor all legislation in the state that could impact dog owners. For questions or more information, contact doglaw@akc.org.