The proposed bill aims to strengthen laws against animal cruelty, particularly in situations involving children. It introduces a new section, 827.12, which makes it a third-degree felony for any adult to commit acts of animal cruelty in the presence of a child or to encourage a child to engage in such acts. The bill also establishes specific criminal penalties for these offenses, thereby enhancing the legal framework surrounding animal welfare and child protection.

Additionally, the bill amends the offense severity ranking chart in section 921.0022 of the Florida Statutes. It increases the severity ranking for the offense of fighting or baiting animals and includes the new offense of subjecting a child to animal cruelty in the ranking system. The changes reflect a commitment to addressing animal cruelty more seriously and ensuring that offenses involving children are treated with appropriate legal gravity. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.