BARK Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Raphael Warnock
Introduced
Summary
Liability protection for good‑faith donations of pet food and supplies would be established. The bill would define key terms and let imperfect items be redistributed under a narrow reconditioning rule.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Clear rules for pet donations
If enacted, the bill would define key terms used for pet food and pet supply donations. The definitions would apply only to this section and take effect on enactment. Some terms would be defined by reference to the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act and to federal rules on emotional support and service animals.
Legal shield for pet donations
If enacted, the bill would protect people who donate apparently fit pet food or supplies in good faith. Donors, nonprofits, and state or local governments that get those donations would not face civil or criminal liability over the item's nature, age, packaging, or condition. The shield would not apply if injury or death results from gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Donors could still get partial protection for defective items if they inform the recipient, the recipient agrees to recondition them before distribution, and the recipient knows the applicable standards. The section would not create new liability or override state or local health rules.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Raphael Warnock
GA • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC]
NC • R
Sponsored 6/4/2025
Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD]
MD • D
Sponsored 6/18/2025
Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ]
NJ • D
Sponsored 3/3/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov