Bill > H1423

This bill establishes a public registry of animal abusers, requiring individuals over eighteen years old convicted of felony animal cruelty violations in this state or comparable offenses in other states to register. Those residing in the state for more than ten consecutive days must register with their county sheriff within eleven days, and any registered abuser moving to a new location must re-register within ten days. The registration data will include the abuser's name, date of birth, current address, place of employment, and details of their conviction. County sheriffs will collect photographs, fingerprints, and descriptions of distinguishing marks, and then forward this information to the State Department of Justice, which will maintain a central, publicly accessible registry online, by phone, in writing, and in person. This registry will be maintained for fifteen years, and county sheriffs are also required to notify nearby residences, schools, humane societies, animal shelters, and businesses within a half-mile radius of the abuser's location about their registration, excluding their social security number. Failure to comply with these registration requirements or providing false information is a felony.