The bill, designated as Brianna's Law, establishes that transporting for slaughter, selling, 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 civil penalties for violations, imposing fines of $3,000 to $5,000 for each gestating cow transported or slaughtered, or for each carcass of a slaughtered gestating cow.

The bill amends existing animal cruelty statutes to include this new provision, thereby enhancing protections for gestating cows. It aims to raise awareness about animal welfare and is inspired by the story of a pregnant cow named Brianna, who escaped from a slaughter truck and gave birth shortly after. The legislation reflects a growing concern for the treatment of animals in agricultural practices and seeks to deter such actions through significant penalties.