Bill

Bill > HB667


MD HB667

MD HB667
Criminal Law - Crimes Relating to Animals - Conviction and Sentencing


summary

Introduced
01/25/2024
In Committee
04/05/2024
Crossed Over
04/05/2024
Passed
Dead
04/08/2024

Introduced Session

2024 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Establishing that certain crimes relating to animals do not include certain activities; establishing that each animal harmed in a violation of a prohibition against animal cruelty is a separate offense and shall be deemed an individual victim for purposes of the sentencing guidelines stacking rule; establishing that a conviction for a crime relating to animals may not merge with a conviction for any other crime based on the act establishing the violation; etc.

AI Summary

This bill establishes that certain crimes relating to animals do not include certain activities, such as customary veterinary and agricultural practices, research, and normal human activities where animal pain is incidental and unavoidable. It also states that each animal harmed in a violation of the animal cruelty laws is a separate offense and shall be deemed an individual victim for sentencing purposes. Additionally, the bill mandates that a conviction for an animal-related crime cannot merge with a conviction for any other crime based on the same act, and the sentence for the animal-related crime may be separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for any other crime.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (9)

Last Action

Referred Rules (on 04/05/2024)

bill text


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