The bill, designated as Brianna's Law, establishes that transporting for slaughter, selling or otherwise providing for slaughter, or slaughtering a gestating cow is a crime of the fourth degree in New Jersey. This classification carries a penalty of imprisonment for up to 18 months and a fine ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 for each conviction. Additionally, the bill introduces a civil penalty of $3,000 to $5,000 for each gestating cow or carcass of a slaughtered gestating cow involved in such violations.

The bill amends existing animal cruelty statutes by adding new legal language that specifically addresses the treatment of gestating cows. It includes provisions that make it unlawful to engage in the aforementioned activities concerning gestating cows, thereby enhancing protections for these animals. The bill aims to raise awareness about animal welfare and is inspired by the story of Brianna, a pregnant cow who escaped from a slaughter truck, highlighting the need for stronger legal protections for gestating animals.