REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ADOPT RULES OR OTHERWISE PERMIT RESTAURANTS TO ALLOW DOGS IN DESIGNATED AREAS OF THEIR ESTABLISHMENTS WHILE ADHERING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS.

2025 Regular Session

directs the Department of Health to permit dogs in designated restaurant areas, within health and safety rules.

The committee on HHS deferred the measure.

Overview

SCR 171 is a concurrent resolution introduced on March 7, 2025, that requests the Department of Health (DOH) to adopt rules or otherwise permit restaurants to allow dogs in designated areas of their establishments, provided these allowances comply with health and safety regulations. As a concurrent resolution, it acts as a formal expression of legislative intent directing a state agency rather than creating new statutory law.

Purpose and Intent

To authorize or facilitate the presence of dogs in specific areas of restaurants, contingent on DOH action.

To ensure any such authorization is consistent with existing health and safety standards.

To signal legislative support for allowing patrons to dine with dogs in designated portions of restaurant premises.

Key Provisions (What the Resolution Seeks)

A directive to the Department of Health to adopt rules that authorize dogs in designated dining areas of restaurants, or to permit such use through other regulatory mechanisms.

Any such rules or permissions must operate within the framework of health and safety regulations currently enforced by DOH.

The designation of “designated areas” suggests spaces within restaurants where dogs would be allowed, while likely maintaining separation from areas handling food preparation, utensils, and other high-risk zones (consistent with typical health code practices), though the resolution text does not prescribe specific layout details.

The measure does not itself implement new requirements; it asks the DOH to take regulatory action.

Affected Parties and Potential Impacts

Restaurants: Could gain the flexibility to designate dog-friendly areas, potentially affecting layout, signage, staff training, and sanitation practices.

Dog owners and patrons: Could have more opportunities to dine with pets in approved areas, subject to DOH rules.

Public health and compliance: DOH would oversee the creation or approval of regulations to ensure health and safety standards are maintained.

Procedural History and Timeline

Introduced: March 7, 2025

Referred to Committee: March 12, 2025 (Committee on Health and Human Services, HHS)

Public Hearing: Scheduled for March 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM (Conference Room 225 & Videoconference)

Committee Action: March 24, 2025 – HHS deferred the measure

Related: Companion bill SR 140

Next Steps

As a deferred concurrent resolution, SCR 171 would need renewed consideration or passage in both houses for any further action. If DOH acts to adopt rules or authorize policy changes, those regulations would follow through a standard rulemaking process.

Stakeholders (restaurants, pet owners, and health officials) may seek amendments or alternative routes (e.g., local codes) depending on legislative or regulatory developments.

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