HB 198

Abstract

Creates the Dog Breeder License Act. Provides for the licensure of dog breeders with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation beginning 6 months after the effective date of the Act. Sets forth powers and duties of the Department, licensure requirements, grounds for discipline, civil and criminal penalties for violation of the Act, and administrative procedure. Includes provisions concerning exemption from the Act. Provides that the Act does not limit the power of a unit of local government from regulating or licensing the practice of dog breeding in a stricter manner. Amends the Animal Welfare Act. Provides that pet shop operators must publicly disclose certain information regarding dogs for sale. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to provide that a licensee who intentionally makes false or misleading statements in connection with the disclosures required by the Dog Breeder License Act and the Animal Welfare Act are violations of the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to set a repeal date of January 1, 2020 for the new Act. Effective immediately.