Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1108

Introduced
5/5/23  
Refer
5/5/23  
Refer
6/14/23  
Report Pass
6/21/23  
Refer
6/22/23  
Report Pass
6/26/23  
Engrossed
6/26/23  

Caption

In preliminary provisions relating to divorce, further providing for legislative findings and intent, for definitions and for effect of agreement between parties; and, in property rights, further providing for equitable division of marital property.

Impact

The bill impacts state laws by establishing that courts must consider several factors when deciding who retains possession of a companion animal during divorce cases. These factors include ownership timelines, care responsibilities, and the ability of each party to provide for the animal's needs. This approach not only influences divorce settlements but also aligns legal definitions with societal views on the significance of pets in households and family dynamics.

Summary

House Bill 1108 amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to recognize companion animals as living beings that are cherished family members. This bill introduces a legal framework for the equitable division of companion animals in divorce proceedings, aiming to prioritize their welfare and care during property disputes. The legislation formalizes the recognition of companion animals beyond mere property, emphasizing their importance as part of family life and setting forth guidelines for determining custody and care arrangements between divorcing parties.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB 1108 generally reflect a positive sentiment, particularly among animal welfare groups and advocates for family rights. Supporters argue that the legislation addresses a significant gap in family law by acknowledging the emotional value and needs of companion animals in legal proceedings. However, some concerns were raised regarding the potential complexities this may introduce in divorce cases, with critiques focusing on how this change may add emotional strain to already contentious legal battles.

Contention

The bill has generated discussions regarding the classification of companion animals as personal property and the implications this holds for divorce law. While supporters emphasize the need for tailored laws that reflect the realities of pet ownership and care, critics warn that it might complicate divorce proceedings further. Furthermore, whether pet custody should align more closely with child custody definitions and protections remains a topic of contention among lawmakers and legal experts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB97

In preliminary provisions relating to divorce, further providing for legislative findings and intent, for definitions and for effect of agreement between parties; and, in property rights, further providing for equitable division of marital property.

PA HB2303

In preliminary provisions relating to divorce, further providing for legislative findings and intent, for definitions, for bases of jurisdiction, for effect of agreement between parties and for premarital agreements; in dissolution of marital status, further providing for grounds for divorce, repealing provisions relating to counseling, further providing for grounds for annulment of voidable marriages, repealing provisions relating to defenses, to action where defendant suffering from mental disorder and to general appearance and collusion, further providing for hearing by master, providing for general order of divorce proceedings, repealing provisions relating to jury trial, further providing for decree of court and repealing provisions relating to opening or vacating decrees; in property rights, further providing for definitions and for disposition of property to defeat obligations; in alimony and support, further providing for alimony and repealing provisions relating to bar to alimony; and repealing provisions relating to mediation.

PA HB1120

In intestate succession, further providing for forfeiture; in elective share of surviving spouse, further providing for right of election and resident decedent; in wills, further providing for modification by circumstances; in estates, further providing for modification by divorce or pending divorce and for effect of divorce or pending divorce on designation of beneficiaries; in preliminary provisions, further providing for legislative findings and intent, for definitions and for premarital agreements; in dissolution of marital status, further providing for grounds for divorce, repealing provisions relating to counseling, further providing for grounds for annulment of voidable marriages, repealing provisions relating to defenses, to action where defendant suffering from mental disorder and to general appearance and collusion, providing for general order of divorce proceedings, repealing provisions relating to jury trial, further providing for decree of court and repealing provisions relating to limitations on attacks upon decrees and to opening or vacating decrees; in alimony and support, further providing for bar to alimony; and, in mediation, further providing for mediation programs.

PA HB829

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions;

PA HB380

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions.

PA HB86

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions.

PA HB982

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in program, further providing for program established.

PA HB1342

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

PA HB516

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions.

PA HB1343

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions.

Similar Bills

CA SB243

Companion chatbots.

CA ACR106

Diplomatic relationships: humane treatment of companion animals.

IL HB3222

HUMANE CARE-ANIMALS-PENALTIES

IL HB4630

HUMANE CARE-ANIMALS-PENALTIES

CA AB1290

Crimes: theft: animals.

NJ A3821

"New Jersey Safe Haven for Protection of Domestic Companion Animals Act."

NJ S849

"New Jersey Safe Haven for Protection of Domestic Companion Animals Act."

NJ A127

"New Jersey Safe Haven for Protection of Domestic Companion Animals Act."