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 penalties for these felonies include fines and potential imprisonment, with a Class H felony punishable by up to $10,000 in fines or six years in prison, and a Class G felony punishable by up to $25,000 in fines or ten years in prison.

The bill also maintains the requirement for restitution to cover veterinary care or the value of a replacement animal for any violations. The proposed changes aim to strengthen the legal protections for police and fire animals, reflecting the importance of their roles in public safety. The Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties may be requested to prepare a report due to the creation of a new crime and the revision of existing penalties.

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