Bill

Bill > HB247


OH HB247

OH HB247
Revise dog law, including dangerous and vicious dogs


summary

Introduced
04/29/2025
In Committee
11/19/2025
Crossed Over
06/18/2025
Passed
03/20/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
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)

Last Action

Effective (on 03/20/2026)

bill text


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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb247
Final Analysis https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/download?key=26930
Final Fiscal Note https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/download?key=26892
BillText https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_136/legislation/hb247/05_EN/pdf/
BillText https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_136/legislation/hb247/04_PS/pdf/
BillText https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_136/legislation/hb247/03_RS/pdf/
Fiscal Note - As Passed By Senate https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/download?key=26790
Synopsis of Committee Amendments https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/download?key=26750
Fiscal Note - As Reported By Senate Committee https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/download?key=26752
Analysis - As Reported By Senate Committee https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/download?key=26751
Analysis - As Passed By House https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/download?key=25819
Fiscal Note - As Passed By House https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/download?key=25703
BillText https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_136/legislation/hb247/01_RH/pdf/
BillText https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_136/legislation/hb247/02_PH/pdf/
Sub Bill Comparative Synopsis https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/download?key=25670
Fiscal Note - As Pending in House Committee https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/download?key=25661
Fiscal Note - As Reported By House Committee https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/download?key=25672
Analysis - As Reported By House Committee https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/download?key=25669
Sub Bill Comparative Synopsis https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/download?key=25489
Fiscal Note - As Introduced https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/download?key=25485
Analysis - As Introduced https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/download?key=25188
BillText https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_136/legislation/hb247/00_IN/pdf/
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