BILL NUMBER: S8228
SPONSOR: MARTINEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to designating a society
for the prevention of cruelty to animals as a qualified agency for the
purpose of allowing access to the division of criminal justice services
central data facility
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill ensures agencies tasked with the prevention and investigation
of animal cruelty and enforcement of animal cruelty laws have access to
the necessary tools and resources to execute their duties efficiently
and effectively.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 Amends Section 1 subdivision 9 section 835 of the executive
law by adding a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals to be a
"qualified agency" in order to access the criminal justice services
central data facility to aid enforcement of animal cruelty laws.
Section 2 is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has a legal
obligation to report the findings and results of their investigations
into animal cruelty. However, not all SPCA officers have access to the
database needed to report these crimes. This bill will grant them access
to the database used by law enforcement departments and can bridge a gap
in our crime reporting database.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S8228: 835 executive law, 835(9) executive law