An Act amending the act of December 7, 1982 (P.L.784, No.225), known as the Dog Law, in short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; and, in enforcement and penalties, further providing for enforcement of this act by the secretary and provisions for inspections.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Dog Law to require state dog wardens and department employees to complete specific training and receive certification before carrying or using firearms or stun guns while performing their duties. The legislation establishes that these officials must have approval from the Secretary of Agriculture and hold valid certification under existing law enforcement training programs or a department-approved training course. It also sets conditions for employment, allowing the department to refuse hiring, suspend, or revoke employment for wardens who fail training requirements, have disqualifying criminal records, or misuse weapons. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for grandfathering existing wardens who have completed similar training and outlines specific grounds for disciplinary action related to weapon possession and enforcement conduct.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 18, 2026
Last action Mar 18, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Mar 18, 2026
Committee
Referred to Agriculture & Rural Affairs
lower
1 primary · 13 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Kerry Benninghoff
RRepublican
Co
Aaron Bernstine
RRepublican
Co
Andrew Kuzma
RRepublican
Co
Brian Smith
RRepublican
Co
Charity Krupa
RRepublican
Co
Dane Watro
RRepublican
Co
Dave Delloso
DDemocratic
Co
David Rowe
RRepublican
Co
Jim Haddock
DDemocratic
Co
Joe Ciresi
DDemocratic
Co
Michael Stender
RRepublican
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