Capitol Dog Relief Act

Bill: 118-hr-8748
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
Introduced: 2024-06-13
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Latest action: action_date: 2024-06-14
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.

Summaries:

tv_txt: I 118th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 8748 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 13, 2024 Mrs. Watson Coleman (for herself, Mr. Moskowitz , Ms. Wild , Mr. Carson , Ms. Jackson Lee , Mr. Kean of New Jersey , and Ms. Norton ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure A BILL To construct dog relief areas on the United States Capitol Grounds, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Capitol Dog Relief Act . 2. Dog relief area (a) In general The Architect of the Capitol, in coordination with the House Office Buildings Commission, the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, shall— (1) identify not less than 1 suitable location for a dog relief area on the United States Capitol Grounds; (2) approve a design for such area; (3) construct such area; and (4) construct any additional dog relief areas necessary to support the dogs on such Grounds or in Capitol Buildings. (b) Dog relief area design (1) Design reference The Architect may base the design referred to in subsection (a)(2) on a dog relief area not located on the United States Capitol Grounds. (2) Design standards Each dog relief area constructed under subsection (a) shall adhere to standards— (A) described under the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design adopted by the Department of Justice (or any successor standards); and (B) developed by the Architectural Review Board of the Architect to preserve the historic character of the United States Capitol Grounds. (c) Disposal of animal waste (1) Solid waste disposal requirement Each individual possessing a dog shall dispose of the solid waste produced by such dog on United States Capitol Grounds by placing such waste in a sealed plastic bag and placing such bag in a trash receptacle. (2) Violations An individual who violates paragraph (1) shall be fined— (A) in the case of a first violation, not more than $100; and (B) in the case of a violation following a first violation, not more than $500. (3) Enforcement The United States Capitol Police may fine an individual under paragraph (2) for each violation under paragraph (1). (4) Disposition of fines Fines collected pursuant to the authority provided under paragraph (2) shall be made available, without subsequent appropriation, to the Architect for maintenance of the United States Capitol Grounds. (d) Definitions In this section: (1) Capitol Buildings The term Capitol Buildings has the meaning given such term in section 5101 of title 40, United States Code. (2) United States Capitol Grounds The term United States Capitol Grounds has the meaning given such term in section 5102 of title 40, United States Code. (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section, to remain available until expended.