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State Representative McClain Announces Passage of Bill Exempting Ohio Veterans' Service Dogs from Registration Fees

November 28, 2018
Riordan T. McClain News

State Representative Riordan McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) today applauded the passage of House Bill 558 by the Ohio House of Representatives. This legislation, sponsored by Rep. McClain, will allow Ohio veterans with service-related disabilities, such as PTSD, to be included in the registration fee exemption that already exists for service animals.

 Under this bill, veterans will no longer have to pay the yearly or permanent registration fees per dog to the county auditor as long as there is proof that the dog is indeed an assistance dog. In conjunction with the expansion of the registration fee exemption, House Bill 558 also broadens the definition of a “mobility impaired person,” further covering Ohio veterans and their service animals under the registration fee exemption.

 “Waiving dog fees for our veterans who have given their mental and physical health defending our nation is a measure I hope we can all support,” said McClain. “A unanimous vote out of the House today means a lot to me and to the men and women who this will benefit. Now the bill goes on to the Senate."

The County Auditors’ Association of Ohio supports this legislation. Having passed out of the House, House Bill 558 now awaits consideration from the Ohio Senate.