The chambers met for four hours each on Monday to advance several key bills. (Monroe Bush for the Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana’s House of Representatives on Monday narrowly approved a bill setting state regulations for dog breeding and sales – including random pet store and dog breeder inspections – while overturning local bans on the retail sale of dogs.
Representatives also voted to move legislation loosening child labor laws, tightening election requirements and authorizing alcohol happy hours.
The Senate separately approved two firearm-related bills: one allowing some statewide officeholders and staff to carry handguns, and another creating a bobcat hunting season.
Rep. Beau Baird, R-Greencastle (Photo from Indiana House Republicans)
Rep. Beau Baird, R-Greencastle, has maintained that his legislation is “anti-puppy mill.” The term refers to dog-breeding operations focused on sales over dog welfare.
“This measure aims to empower consumers by providing them essential information about the dogs they are purchasing,” Baird said. He added that his bill would foster “transparency and responsible breeding practices.”