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S4327Senate2015-2016 SessionSame asA5956

Allows companion dogs at food service establishments in outdoor dining areas in certain conditions

Sponsor Kemp HannonSD-6+1 co-sponsorAffects Health
Status
Signed by Governor
Impact
Pending
Outcome
Signed into law

Bill progress

Signed into law

What's happening

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Who cares

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Sponsors

Primary sponsor
Kemp Hannon

Senator · Senate District 6

Chair, Health

1 Co-sponsor

History

  1. Signed chap.402
  2. Delivered to governor
  3. Returned to senate
  4. Passed assembly
  5. Ordered to third reading rules cal.356
  6. Substituted for A5956C
  7. Referred to health
  8. Returned to assembly
  9. Repassed senate
  10. Amended on third reading 4327a
  11. Vote reconsidered - restored to third reading
  12. Returned to senate
Show 8 earlier actions
  1. Recalled from assembly
  2. Referred to health
  3. Delivered to assembly
  4. Passed senateVote 60–0
  5. Advanced to third reading
  6. 2nd report cal.
  7. 1st report cal.396
  8. Referred to health

Companion bill

The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.

A5956Assembly

Allows companion dogs at food service establishments in outdoor dining areas in certain conditions

Assembly Floor Calendar · Sponsor Linda Rosenthal

Full text

The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.

Sponsor's memo

BILL NUMBER:S4327A

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to outdoor seating areas at food service establishments

Purpose

To authorize food service establishments that so choose to permit customers to bring their pet dogs into outdoor dining areas of the facility.

Summary of provisions

Section one adds a new Public Health Law § 1352-e to provide that pet dogs may be allowed in an outdoor area of a food service establishment if the owner of the establishment elects to allow them. Pet dogs will only be permitted in an outdoor area of a food service establishment if certain conditions are met ensuring contamination of food, utensils or equipment cannot result.

Section two provides that this act shall take effect immediately.

Justification

With a large percentage of New Yorkers being dog owners, many restaurant owners wish to accommodate customers with canine companions but are currently prohibited from doing so by the state health code. Restaurants who wish to permit dogs accompanying their owners in outdoor dining areas risk non-issuance, suspension or forfeiture to their license to operate.

According to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Environmental Health, entitled Public Health Implications of Animals in Retail Food Outlets, the overall public health risk of pet dogs in outdoor dining areas is very low as long as safety, sanitation and hygiene practices are enforced. Social Compassion in Legislation, non-profit organization focused on protecting animals, was successful in passing similar legislation in California with overwhelming support. This legislation will provide restaurant owners with choice, provide consumers with the option, boost business revenue and ensure safety standards are followed.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediately.

Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.