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 potential imprisonment of 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 to include new provisions that specifically address the treatment of gestating cows. It inserts language that makes it unlawful to engage in the aforementioned activities concerning gestating cows, thereby enhancing protections for these animals. The legislation is inspired by the story of Brianna, a pregnant cow who escaped from a slaughter truck, highlighting the need for stronger animal welfare laws. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.