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Bill > SB360


MD SB360

MD SB360
Criminal Law - Emergency Response Animal - Prohibited Actions Against


summary

Introduced
01/23/2026
In Committee
01/23/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Repealing the prohibition against intentionally inflicting bodily harm, permanent disability, or death on an animal owned or used by a law enforcement unit; and prohibiting a person from harassing, interfering with, injuring, or killing or causing serious physical injury to an emergency response animal.

AI Summary

This bill, in plain language, proposes to repeal the existing prohibition against harming animals owned or used by law enforcement units, while simultaneously enacting new protections for "emergency response animals," which are defined as dogs or horses used by law enforcement or search and rescue dogs engaged in official efforts. Specifically, the bill makes it illegal to intentionally harass, interfere with, injure, kill, or cause serious physical injury to these animals while they are performing their duties, with penalties varying based on the severity of the offense, ranging from misdemeanors with potential jail time and fines to more serious charges if the violation occurs during the commission of another crime.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Senate Judicial Proceedings Hearing (14:00:00 2/11/2026 ) (on 02/11/2026)

bill text


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