Bill
Bill > S2298
RI S2298
RI S2298Increases the penalty for cruelty to animals, first offense, from eleven months to twelve months incarceration.
summary
Introduced
01/23/2026
01/23/2026
In Committee
01/23/2026
01/23/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This act would increase the penalty for cruelty to animals, first offense, from eleven months to twelve months incarceration. This act would take effect upon passage.
AI Summary
This bill, by amending Section 4-1-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 4-1, increases the maximum incarceration penalty for a first-time offense of animal cruelty from eleven months to twelve months. The existing law defines animal cruelty broadly to include actions like overworking, mistreating, or failing to provide necessary sustenance, shelter, or protection from the weather to an animal, and also outlines penalties for subsequent offenses and forfeiture of animal ownership. This specific change only affects the jail time for a first offense, making it a full year instead of eleven months, and will become law immediately upon its passage.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (10)
Andrew Dimitri (D)*,
Peter Appollonio (D),
John Burke (D),
Stefano Famiglietti (D),
Melissa Murray (D),
Todd Patalano (D),
Brian Thompson (D),
David Tikoian (D),
Lori Urso (D),
Lammis Vargas (D),
Last Action
Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary (on 01/23/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://status.rilegislature.gov/ |
| BillText | https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText26/SenateText26/S2298.pdf |
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