summary
Introduced
04/29/2025
04/29/2025
In Committee
11/19/2025
11/19/2025
Crossed Over
06/18/2025
06/18/2025
Passed
03/20/2026
03/20/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
12/19/2025
12/19/2025
Introduced Session
136th General Assembly
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend sections 304.02, 304.03, 715.23, 901.80, 935.03, 955.01, 955.011, 955.012, 955.02, 955.03, 955.04, 955.05, 955.06, 955.07, 955.10, 955.11, 955.12, 955.121, 955.14, 955.16, 955.20, 955.22, 955.221, 955.222, 955.26, 955.261, 955.40, 955.43, 955.44, 955.50, 955.54, 959.132, 1533.12, 1901.18, 1907.031, 2913.01, and 2921.321; to amend, for the purpose of adopting new section numbers as indicated in parentheses, sections 955.01 (955.02), 955.011 (955.021), 955.012 (955.022), 955.013 (955.023), 955.02 (955.01), 955.09 (955.08), 955.10 (955.09), 955.22 (955.24), 955.221 (955.10), 955.222 (955.23), and 955.40 (955.262); to enact new sections 955.21 and 955.22 and sections 955.024, 955.60, and 955.61; and to repeal sections 955.08, 955.21, 955.23, 955.24, 955.25, 955.39, 955.51, 955.52, 955.53, and 955.99 of the Revised Code to make changes to the laws governing dogs, including dangerous and vicious dogs, and to name this act Avery's Law.
AI Summary
This bill revises Ohio's dog law, particularly focusing on dangerous and vicious dogs, and is named "Avery's Law". The bill comprehensively updates regulations regarding dog registration, classification, and owner responsibilities. Key provisions include establishing clear definitions for nuisance, dangerous, and vicious dogs based on specific behavioral criteria, requiring owners of dangerous or vicious dogs to obtain special registration, pay higher fees, and comply with strict containment and notification requirements. The bill introduces more stringent penalties for dog owners who fail to control their dogs, with increasing severity of consequences depending on the dog's classification and the nature of its actions. For instance, owners of vicious dogs may face misdemeanor charges, mandatory dog obedience training, and potentially having their dog humanely destroyed. The bill also mandates that health care providers and veterinarians report dog bites, creates new investigation procedures for potential dog law violations, and establishes more detailed requirements for dog registration, including microchipping and vaccination. Additionally, the bill updates various related sections of the Ohio Revised Code to align with these new dog management standards, reflecting a comprehensive approach to improving public safety and responsible dog ownership.
Committee Categories
Justice, Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (22)
Meredith Lawson-Rowe (D)*,
Kevin Miller (R)*,
Nickie Antonio (D),
Willis Blackshear (D),
Bill Blessing (R),
Jerry Cirino (R),
Hearcel Craig (D),
Alessandro Cutrona (R),
Bill DeMora (D),
Theresa Gavarone (R),
Paula Hicks-Hudson (D),
Steve Huffman (R),
Catherine Ingram (D),
Terry Johnson (R),
Nathan Manning (R),
Thomas Patton (R),
Bill Reineke (R),
Michele Reynolds (R),
Kristina Roegner (R),
Jane Timken (R),
Casey Weinstein (D),
Shane Wilkin (R),
Last Action
Effective (on 03/20/2026)
Official Document
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