HB 1238: Local ordinances; locality may regulate or prohibit sale of animals in a pet shop, effective clause.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Local ordinances; regulation of pet shops. Authorizes the governing body of any locality to, by ordinance, regulate or prohibit the sale of animals in a pet shop. Such ordinance may distinguish between certain types of pet shops and include provisions for special licensing, inspections, reporting, restrictions, or prohibitions on the sale of certain types of animals. The bill also includes certain existing statewide provisions related to pet shops in the list of sections for which a locality may adopt parallel or more stringent ordinances. The provisions of the bill do not become effective unless reenacted by the 2027 Session of the General Assembly.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. February 24, 2026Continued to next session in Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (11-Y 3-N)
2. February 24, 2026Failed to report (defeated) in Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (6-Y 8-N)
3. February 24, 2026Assigned HACNR sub: Companion Animals
4. February 18, 2026Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
5. February 18, 2026Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)
6. February 17, 2026Read third time and passed House (58-Y 36-N 0-A)
7. February 16, 2026Engrossed by House as amended
8. February 16, 2026committee amendments agreed to
9. February 16, 2026Read second time
10. February 15, 2026Read first time
11. February 13, 2026Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns with amendment(s) (12-Y 8-N)
12. February 13, 2026House committee offered

Showing 12 most recent of 16 actions. Full history