Bill > SB221

This bill amends California's stalking law to expand the definition of a "credible threat" to include threats made towards a person's pet, service animal, emotional support animal, or horse. Under the existing law, stalking was defined as willfully and maliciously following or harassing someone while making a credible threat intended to place that person in reasonable fear for their safety or their immediate family's safety. The new bill broadens this definition by explicitly including threats to an individual's animals as part of what can constitute a credible threat. The bill maintains the existing penalties for stalking, which can include imprisonment in county jail or state prison, fines up to $1,000, or both, depending on the circumstances such as previous convictions or existing restraining orders. By expanding the definition of credible threat, the bill aims to provide more comprehensive protection for individuals by recognizing that threats to a person's animals can be just as intimidating and harmful as direct threats to the person or their family. The bill also specifies that no additional state reimbursement is required for implementing these changes, as they relate to modifying the definition of a crime.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB221