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 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 for violations, imposing fines of $3,000 to $5,000 for each gestating cow or carcass of a slaughtered gestating cow involved in the offense.

The bill amends existing animal cruelty statutes, specifically adding new legal language that makes it unlawful to engage in the aforementioned activities concerning gestating cows. It also modifies the penalties outlined in R.S.4:22-26, ensuring that the fines for violations related to gestating cows are clearly defined. This legislation aims to enhance the protection of pregnant cows and is inspired by the story of Brianna, a cow who escaped from a slaughter truck and gave birth shortly thereafter.