Legis Daily

BARK Act of 2025

USA119th CongressHR-3732| House 
| Updated: 6/4/2025
Jamie Raskin

Jamie Raskin

Democratic Representative

Maryland

Cosponsors (16)
Mark Pocan (Democratic)Chrissy Houlahan (Democratic)Jefferson Van Drew (Republican)Claudia Tenney (Republican)Derek Schmidt (Republican)Young Kim (Republican)Dina Titus (Democratic)Debbie Dingell (Democratic)Sarah Elfreth (Democratic)Anna Paulina Luna (Republican)Jefferson Shreve (Republican)Mark DeSaulnier (Democratic)Hillary J. Scholten (Democratic)Lucy McBath (Democratic)Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)Nicole Malliotakis (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill aims to encourage donations of pet food and supplies by providing liability protections to various entities. It shields individuals, nonprofit organizations, and state or local governments from civil or criminal liability when they donate or receive "apparently fit pet-related products" in good faith. These products meet all quality and labeling standards but may not be readily marketable due to factors like appearance, age, or surplus. The protections specifically cover issues arising from the nature, age, packaging, or condition of these donated items. The legislation also extends liability protection for donations of pet food or supplies that do not initially meet all quality and labeling standards. This protection applies if the donor informs the recipient of the distressed condition, and the recipient agrees to recondition the items to comply with standards before distribution. However, these liability waivers do not apply in instances of gross negligence or intentional misconduct that result in injury or death. The bill defines "qualified animal" broadly to include pets, emotional support animals, and service animals, ensuring a wide range of beneficiaries.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-5684
BARK Act of 2021
Jun 4, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-1939
Introduced in Senate
Jun 4, 2025
Introduced in House
Jun 4, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-5684
    BARK Act of 2021


  • June 4, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-1939
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 4, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • June 4, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Agriculture and Food

BARK Act of 2025

USA119th CongressHR-3732| House 
| Updated: 6/4/2025
This bill aims to encourage donations of pet food and supplies by providing liability protections to various entities. It shields individuals, nonprofit organizations, and state or local governments from civil or criminal liability when they donate or receive "apparently fit pet-related products" in good faith. These products meet all quality and labeling standards but may not be readily marketable due to factors like appearance, age, or surplus. The protections specifically cover issues arising from the nature, age, packaging, or condition of these donated items. The legislation also extends liability protection for donations of pet food or supplies that do not initially meet all quality and labeling standards. This protection applies if the donor informs the recipient of the distressed condition, and the recipient agrees to recondition the items to comply with standards before distribution. However, these liability waivers do not apply in instances of gross negligence or intentional misconduct that result in injury or death. The bill defines "qualified animal" broadly to include pets, emotional support animals, and service animals, ensuring a wide range of beneficiaries.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-5684
BARK Act of 2021
Jun 4, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-1939
Introduced in Senate
Jun 4, 2025
Introduced in House
Jun 4, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-5684
    BARK Act of 2021


  • June 4, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-1939
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 4, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • June 4, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Jamie Raskin

Jamie Raskin

Democratic Representative

Maryland

Cosponsors (16)
Mark Pocan (Democratic)Chrissy Houlahan (Democratic)Jefferson Van Drew (Republican)Claudia Tenney (Republican)Derek Schmidt (Republican)Young Kim (Republican)Dina Titus (Democratic)Debbie Dingell (Democratic)Sarah Elfreth (Democratic)Anna Paulina Luna (Republican)Jefferson Shreve (Republican)Mark DeSaulnier (Democratic)Hillary J. Scholten (Democratic)Lucy McBath (Democratic)Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)Nicole Malliotakis (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

Agriculture and Food

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted