Edit 2/21/12: You are viewing an old post. HB 14 was signed into law today.
The Ohio House today passed the Senate-amended version of HB 14. It now goes to the Ohio governor for his signature, after which it will become law.
Please contact Ohio governor John Kasich and ask him to sign HB 14 into law.
http://governor.ohio.gov/Contact/ContacttheGovernor.aspx
This is taking forever. Where ARE we in the process?
Don’t worry, we’re almost there! Here is an overview of HB 14′s past and (hopefully) future.
1. HB 14 was introduced. DONE.
2. HB 14 was approved by a House committee. DONE.
3. HB 14 was passed by the House. DONE.
4. HB 14 was sent to the Senate. DONE.
5. HB 14 was passed by a Senate committee. DONE.
6. HB 14 was passed by the Senate. DONE.
7. House concurred with Senate amendments. DONE.
8. HB 14 still needs to be signed by the governor.
9. HB 14 will become law and Ohio’s statewide BSL will be repealed.
HB 14 status page: http://lsc.state.oh.us/coderev/hou129.nsf/House+Bill+Number/0014?OpenDocument
What is HB 14?
HB 14 is a comprehensive dog control bill that would, among other things, repeal Ohio’s statewide BSL. The bill identifies dogs as potentially dangerous, dangerous, or vicious based on behavior, and proscribes restrictions on ownership of dogs with these labels. “Pit bulls” will no longer be automatically labeled vicious dogs. The full text of HB 14 can be read here: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=129_HB_14
What does HB 14 mean for Ohio?
Ohio state law currently declares ALL “pit bulls” to be “vicious dogs,” without exception. The state imposes restrictions on keeping vicious dogs/“pit bulls,” such as liability insurance and special containment rules. HB 14 revises Ohio’s current dangerous/vicious dog law significantly. It also removes the “pit bull” from automatic “vicious dog” designation.
Ohio’s state-level dog laws apply throughout the entire state, even in counties, cities, and towns. Some Ohio cities and towns do not have dog laws, and only enforce state-level laws. When a city or town regulates its dogs via state dog laws, those municipalities’ laws will change along with the state’s law if HB 14 passes.
However, many counties and cities within the state have their own set of dog ordinances in their municipal code. Those laws will not change if HB 14 passes. HB 14 does not require counties or municipalities to change their laws.
Therefore, cities and towns that have BSL now will still have BSL even if HB 14 passes. Because many cities and towns copied the breed-specific state law when writing their own dog laws, we expect Ohio to have a higher-than-average concentration of municipalities with BSL for some time. It will take time and individual attention to get BSL repealed in each of these municipalities.
Please be aware that HB 14 does not mean the end of BSL in Ohio—especially if you are moving into or traveling in the state with your pet dogs. Although HB 14 does not completely eliminate BSL in Ohio, HB 14 is a VERY positive step forward, because it makes change possible throughout the state.
Fred M. Kray
krisdiaz9
Stop BSL 
I am glad to see that this bill has went this far and will hopefully end breed specifics when Governor Kasich signs it.
I hope and pray that the Governor signs this bill. I wrote both Senator Schaffer and Representative Hayes who represent Perry County to support HB 14. Representative Hayes voted in support of, Sentator Schaffer voted to oppose this bill. I have a saved e-mail from Schaffer stating he would vote in support, but anyone can look at how voting went and shows he opposed. Senator Schaffer will not be getting my vote during re-election time!!!
We have heard that the governor will sign HB 14 next Tuesday (2/21). Thanks for writing your representatives and for sharing their responses!
SIGNED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome! A big day for Ohio and the U.S.!
Does anyone know when this goes into effect, I hope it’s soon as possible and a BIG thank you to the Governor for signing….
Should be 90 days from now.