Woof, Woof - Dog Bill Goes Down! 2-17-09

In a rare occurance, legislation was killed during a second reader vote on the Senate floor this morning.  The proposed legislation (Senate Bill 110 - Vehicle Laws - Transporting Pets in Trucks or Trailers) required that dogs or other pets riding in the back of a pick-up truck or trailer must be restrained by a harness or seat belt.

The opposition was lead by Republican Senators who argued on behalf of their canine constituents that the bill's provisions were too stringent and far exceeded similar laws in other states that restricted pets in open vehicles on highways.

Senate Bill 110 had passed the Judicial Proceedings Committee by a committee vote of 6 to 5.  It was on the Senate floor during a second reader report as a favorable recommendation from the committee.

Sensing that considerable opposition existed within the chamber, Senate President Miller called for a roll call vote on the second reader committee report. The favorable report on second reader failed by a vote of 17 to 30.  All of the Republican Senators voted against the bill and they were joined by a diverse group of Democrat Senators.