Yesterday, February 3, 2022, after making minor technical changes, the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee advanced SB 2573, Nero’s Law, to the full House, which then approved the bill. The bill allows emergency care and transportation for a police dog injured in the line of duty, while ensuring ambulance use remains a priority for human transport. SB 2573 passed the Senate in November 2021. The House version, HB 4431, will now be sent to the Senate for concurrence before being transmitted to Governor Baker’s desk.
Thank you to all the club members, dog owners, and Massachusetts residents who responded to the American Kennel Club Government Relations Department’s (AKC GR) multiple requests for emails expressing support of “Nero’s Law”. This is your win!
In a show of appreciation, please email your state representative and senator to thank them for supporting Nero’s law. Please also ask that they send HB 4431 to the Governor’s desk for signature as soon as possible. Contact information for lawmakers can be found by entering your street address and city or town here.
AKC GR will continue providing updates on Nero’s Law as it progresses through the legislature. For more information on this or other legislative issues in Massachusetts, contact AKC GR at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org; or the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners at info@massfeddogs.org.