On Monday, February 26, a bill that would protect owners and pets during extreme weather situations cleared another hurdle after being voted out of the state Senate Ways and Means Committee. As the bill has already passed the House of Representatives, the last remaining action in the Legislature is a vote by the whole state Senate. Your support is needed!
Washington state residents are encouraged to support House Bill 1012. Scroll down for ways to help.
Summary:
House Bill 1012 was written in response to a severe heat wave in the state in 2021 that left many people and their pets without a safe place to go. A similar bill was introduced in 2022, but it ran out of time in a shortened legislative session.
House Bill 1012 would develop an “extreme weather grant program” to help localities offset the costs of assisting their communities during severe weather if they do not have the resources to help those who are “socially vulnerable”. These grants would include funding to help with the establishment and operation of “warming and cooling centers” that are pet friendly.
AKC appreciates this bill, which will allow these individuals and their pets to be transported to safe facilities that will protect their health and safety if they have no other viable options. This bill will protect the lives of people and their beloved pets.
What You Can Do:
House Bill 1012 needs to be voted on by the end of Friday, March 1; there is currently no vote scheduled. Those who wish to encourage key members of the Legislature to bring the bill to the floor for a vote can reach out to:
- President Pro Tempore Karen Keiser (keiser@leg.wa.gov; (360) 786-7664)
- Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig (Billig@leg.wa.gov; (360) 786-7604)
- Senate Deputy Majority Leader Manka Dhingra (dhingra@leg.wa.gov; (360) 786-7672)
- Senate Deputy Majority Leader Emily Randall (Randall@leg.wa.gov; (360) 786-7650
In your message, be sure to include that HB 1012 will save the lives of people, their pets and protect first responders from having to conduct rescues of people with pets with no place to go during emergencies.
AKC Government Relations continues to monitor bills in Washington impacting dog owners and will provide updates. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.