Several Florida bills that potentially impact dogs and dog owners are under consideration in the state legislature. These include:
Care for Retired Police K9s: AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) continues to support legislation that would establish a program to provide care for retired law enforcement dogs. HB 25 is on the agenda of the House Criminal Justice & Public Safety Committee for 1/18/22. Dog owners are encouraged to contact committee members and express support for HB 25.
Dangerous Dogs/Breed Neutral Legislation: SB 614 seeks to allow a public housing authority to adopt a rule or policy regarding restrictions or requirements for dangerous dogs, provided that no such regulation is specific to breed. This bill would also remove the exemption under current law that allows local breed specific laws enacted prior to October 1, 1990 in Florida to remain in force. SB 614 is on the agenda of the Senate Community Affairs Committee for 1/18/22. Dog owners who wish to support this breed-neutral legislation are encouraged to contact committee members.
Pet Store Licensure: The Senate Committee on Regulated Industries has advanced a committee substitute bill for Senate Bill 994 that is pending reference review. Read AKC’s 1/10/22 alert on SB 994 for more information. AKC GR will continue to monitor this bill.
For additional information, please contact doglaw@akc.org or call 919-816-3720.