Bill > SF1163

This bill establishes the Office of Animal Protection within the Department of Public Safety's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to address animal cruelty in a more comprehensive and centralized manner, aiming to protect public health and safety. The office will be responsible for preventing animal cruelty, enforcing related laws, and educating the public, with a focus on the link between animal cruelty and human violence. It will foster partnerships with various agencies, provide training and resources for investigations and prosecutions, collect and analyze data on animal cruelty cases, and conduct research. A director will be appointed to lead the office, and an advisory committee with expertise in animal cruelty and animal care will provide guidance. The bill also expands the definition of a "crime of violence" to include offenses under chapter 343, relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals, effective August 1, 2026. Finally, it appropriates funds for the establishment and operation of the Office of Animal Protection for fiscal year 2027.