GEORGIA CANINE COALITION, INC.
END OF SESSION REVIEW
First Term 2017-2018
Below is the report of the end of the First Term of the Two-Year Session (2017-2018).
If a bill did not pass this session, it is still “alive” for the 2018 term.
SENATE BILLS
SB 214 Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 11 of Title 4 of the O.C.G.A., relating to general provisions relative to animal protection, so as to regulate the retail sale of dogs and cats in this state; to provide for definitions; to provide that dogs and cats transported into this state for sale or offered for sale in this state shall be protected against certain diseases and parasites; to provide for examinations and certifications by veterinarians; to provide for certain rights of purchasers of dogs and cats; to provide for notices and representations to purchasers; to provide for the quarantine of dogs and cats suspected of carrying disease; to provide for cumulative effect of article; to require regulatory consistency; to provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. Senator Williams of the 27th main sponsor. HSUS supported bill. Bill did not move out of committee. We have concerns over parts of this bill.
HOUSE BILLS
HB 144 House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 11 of Title 4 of the O.C.G.A., relating to general provisions relative to animal protection, so as to regulate the retail sale of dogs and cats in this state; to provide for definitions; to provide that dogs and cats transported into this state for sale or offered for sale in this state shall be protected against certain diseases and parasites; to provide for examinations and certifications by veterinarians; to provide for certain rights of purchasers of dogs and cats; to provide for notices and representations to purchasers; to provide for the quarantine of dogs and cats suspected of carrying disease; to restrict certain local regulation; to require regulatory consistency; to provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. Representative Ehrhart is the main sponsor. We supported this bill as we felt it was good for the animals, passed committee but didn’t move out of Rules Committee.
HB 40 House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 4 of Chapter 12 of Title 24 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to medical and other confidential information, so as to provide an exception for confidentiality of certain medical information of animals within a veterinarian’s care; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. Representative Scot Turner, we support the idea but have some concerns.
HB 253 Motor Vehicles
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 40-2-86 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to special license plates promoting certain beneficial projects and supporting certain worthy agencies, funds, or nonprofit corporations, so as to increase the proportion of moneys derived from the sale of specialty license plates promoting the dog and cat reproductive sterilization support program which are to be dedicated to such program; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. We support this bill as the program is run by the Department of Agriculture. Representative Willard is the main sponsor, passed House, tabled in the Senate.
HB 288 Judiciary Non-Civil
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 30 of the O.C.G.A., relating to handicapped persons, so as to provide for additional rights and responsibilities of persons with service animals; to provide for accommodation of those requiring service animals; to authorize creation and issuance of information cards under the auspices of the Department of Human Services; to provide for criminal offenses and penalties relating to fraudulent representation relating to disability; to amend Part 1 of Article 4 of Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the O.C.G.A., relating to criminal offenses relative to dangerous instrumentalities and practices generally, so as to provide for criminal offenses and penalties related to the harassing, injuring, or killing of service animals; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. Representative Tom Kirby is the main sponsor. We support the idea but the bill has some problems. Sub-committee hearing, but did not move.
HR 638
A RESOLUTION commending the benefits and contributions of purebred dogs to the State of Georgia and recognizing May, 1, 2017, as Georgia Purebred Dog Day at the state capitol; and for other purposes. This is our bill. Representative David Knight was the chief Sponsor. This resolution passed.
