Undoubtedly due to the fact that it is well known that breed-specific legislation (BSL) doesn’t work and unfairly and unconstitutionally adversely affects law-abiding citizens, the state of Washington will consider House Bill 2117 which will prohibit cities and counties in the state of Washington from passing breed-specific legislation (BSL).  

The bill notes that

While the legislature recognizes that local jurisdictions have a valid public safety interest in protecting citizens from dog attacks, the legislature finds that a dog’s breed is not inherently indicative of whether or not the dog is dangerous and that the criteria for determining whether or not a dog is dangerous or potentially dangerous should be focused on the dog’s behavior.

The bill went on to explain its intent:

The legislature further finds that breed-specific ordinances fail to address any of the factors that cause dogs to become aggressive and place an undue hardship on responsible dog owners who provide proper socialization and training. The legislature intends to redirect the focus away from particular breeds and to instead encourage local jurisdictions to employ more effective and data-driven prevention models to control dangerous dogs and enhance public safety.

Well said.  

According to Washington’s legislature site, a public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, January 16, 2014 in the House Committee on the Judiciary at 8:00 a.m., though the time and place is subject to change.