Bill S.182, introduced by Senator Williams, aims to enhance the forfeiture process for animals seized due to animal cruelty violations and increase funding for their care through the Animal Welfare Fund. The bill establishes a $50 surcharge for individuals convicted of animal cruelty, which will be allocated to the Fund. It also modifies penalties for aggravated cruelty, raising the maximum imprisonment for repeat offenders from ten years to 10 years and increasing associated fines. The bill revises the procedures for animal seizure and forfeiture, introducing a 20-day timeline for forfeiture unless a legal interest is claimed, and requires claimants to post security for the animal's care.

Additionally, the bill mandates that if a forfeiture order is not issued, the animal must be returned to the claimant upon payment of care costs, which may be reimbursed from the Animal Welfare Fund if not paid within a specified timeframe. It introduces a requirement for appellants to post security covering care costs during the appeal process, with amounts due every 30 days until resolution. Appeals must be expedited, with decisions required within five business days after the hearing. The bill also clarifies that time limits are not jurisdictional and can be extended for good cause. Furthermore, it amends the Animal Welfare Fund provisions to include reimbursement for care costs and emphasizes the unlawful interference with animal welfare officials, allowing for security requirement adjustments based on financial hardship. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-353, 13-354, 20-3203