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BILL # SB 1057 |
TITLE: working animal; harm; classification |
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SPONSOR: Gowan |
STATUS: As Introduced |
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PREPARED BY: Geoffrey Paulsen |
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The bill would make intentionally or knowingly causing serious harm to a working animal a class a class 5 felony and intentionally or knowingly killing a working animal a class 4 felony. Under current law, these offenses are classified as class 6 felonies.
Estimated Impact
The bill could increase the Department of Corrections (ADC) operating costs due to longer sentences for offenders. Any impact would depend on the number of individuals charged under the revised sentencing requirements and the cumulative impact on the ADC inmate population.
The bill's fiscal impact is expected to be minimal, as data from the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) indicates 9 persons were convicted of the relevant offenses during calendar year 2024.
Statute defines a "working animal" as a specially trained horse or a dog that is used by a law enforcement agency and is under the control of a handler. Under current law, the act of intentionally or knowingly harming or killing a working animal is a class 6 felony punishable by a sentence of between 4 months and 2 years, with a presumptive sentence of 1 year.
The bill would reclassify intentionally or knowingly causing serious harm to a working animal a class 5 felony, which would be punishable by a sentence of between 6 months and 2.5 years, with a presumptive sentence of 1.5 years.
The bill would also make intentionally or knowingly killing a working animal a class 4 felony, punishable by a sentence of between 1 year and 3.75 years, with a presumptive sentence of 2.5 years.
Local Government Impact
None.
2/11/25