BARK Act of 2023

S 2370 (BARK Act of 2023) amends the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act to expand liability protections for donations of pet food and supplies. It adds definitions for "pet," "emotional support animal," and "pet supply" to the law, and creates new protections ensuring donors and receiving organizations (nonprofits or local governments) cannot face legal liability for the condition of donated pet food/supplies given in good faith for pets, service animals, or emotional support animals. This directly affects pet owners, animal welfare organizations, and businesses donating pet-related items. The key change extends existing food donation protections to cover pet food and supplies, removing legal barriers to such donations.