118 HR 8748 IH: Capitol Dog Relief Act U.S. House of Representatives 2024-06-13 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I118th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 8748IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 13, 2024Mrs. 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 InfrastructureA BILLTo 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.