Senate Bill 64 proposes amendments to the penalties associated with injuring or killing animals used by law enforcement agencies or fire departments. Under the current law, individuals who intentionally harm such animals face a Class I felony for causing injury and a Class H felony for causing death. The bill seeks to increase these penalties, changing the injury offense to a Class H felony and the death offense to a Class G felony.

The revised penalties reflect a more stringent approach to protecting these animals, with a Class H felony carrying a potential fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to six years, and a Class G felony carrying a potential fine of up to $25,000 or imprisonment for up to ten years. The bill also maintains the requirement for restitution to cover veterinary care or the value of a replacement animal for any violations.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 951.18(2m), 951.18