The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to report that amended Connecticut House Bill 5295 was passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, April 27. Among other provisions, the bill would require the Department of Agriculture to convene a working group to help develop a plan to create a state-wide online dog licensing portal. The proposed working group, which AKC and other stakeholders are expected to be invited to participate in should the bill be enacted, is also expected to help determine the appropriateness of adjusting dog license fee rates and to help address privacy concerns that were raised by AKC at the committee’s March 7 hearing. The bill also recognizes the contribution of Department of Children and Family Services therapy dogs by waiving license fees.
Details regarding the Joint Environment Committee’s previous actions and amendments to HB 5285 can be reviewed in AKC’s April 1 alert.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
- Anyone wishing to support HB 5295, as amended, is encouraged to now contact their state senator asking them to vote “yes”.
- To find your lawmakers’ contact information, click here and scroll down to “Find My Legislator’ in the middle of the page. Insert your town and street address. Please include the bill number, HB 5295, as amended, in the subject line and request support of bill with your name in the body of your email.
AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will provide additional information as developments warrant. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.