Ohio House Bill HB247

Ohio 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Filed/Introduced: 8/6/26
• Introduced: 4/29/25
• Report Pass: 6/18/25
• Engrossed: 6/18/25
• Report Pass: 11/19/25
• Enrolled: 11/19/25
• Passed: 12/19/25
• Passed: 3/20/26

Caption

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.

Impact

The implementation of Avery's Law is expected to alter how local jurisdictions enforce laws concerning dog behavior and ownership. By standardizing the requirements for dangerous dog registration, the bill seeks to reduce inconsistencies among counties which can lead to confusion and enforcement challenges. Additionally, Ohio residents will need to adhere to the new identification and registration mandates, which may incur additional costs. The overall goal of these adjustments is to promote accountability among dog owners, effectively protecting the public from potential harm caused by vicious or dangerous dogs.

Summary

House Bill 247, also known as Avery's Law, introduces significant changes to the legislation concerning the management of dangerous and vicious dogs within Ohio. The bill seeks to amend and repeal various sections of the Revised Code related to dog laws, specifically those governing the registration, identification, and control of these animals. One of the principal features of the bill is a new registration process for dangerous dogs, which requires owners to provide proof of specific conditions, such as microchipping and insurance coverage for any damages caused by these dogs. These amendments aim to enhance public safety and ensure responsible dog ownership.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 247 appears to be somewhat divided. Supporters argue that its provisions will lead to enhanced public safety and contribute to a more regulated environment for dog ownership. They emphasize the importance of having clear guidelines in place for identifying and managing potentially harmful dogs. However, some opponents express concerns that the bill may impose undue burdens on responsible dog owners or may not sufficiently address the root causes of dog aggression. This debate underscores a need for balancing public safety with dog owners' rights and responsibilities.

Contention

One notable point of contention in the discussions about Avery's Law is the enforcement of registration and identification requirements. Critics of the bill worry that the financial implications of insurance and registration fees may disproportionately affect low-income dog owners, leading to concerns over the accessibility of responsible pet ownership. Furthermore, there are questions about how effectively these regulations will be enforced across diverse communities, which could lead to inequalities in public safety measures concerning dangerous dogs.