An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sentencing, providing for sentencing for certain aggravated cruelty to animal offenses.
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill amends Pennsylvania law to increase penalties for certain aggravated cruelty to animal offenses. Specifically, it directs the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to create a sentencing enhancement within its guidelines when an aggravated cruelty to animal offense is committed using a deadly weapon. The bill defines ‘deadly weapon’ to include firearms, dangerous weapons, and any device capable of causing serious harm. It also establishes a 60-day period before the law takes effect.
Key provisions
- The Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing will establish a sentencing enhancement for aggravated cruelty to animal offenses.
- This enhancement will apply when the offense involves the use of a deadly weapon.
- The bill defines ‘deadly weapon’ to include firearms, dangerous weapons, and devices capable of causing serious bodily injury.
- The law will take effect 60 days after it is enacted.
Who is affected
- Individuals convicted of aggravated cruelty to animal offenses.
- The Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing.
- Animal welfare advocates.
Notable changes
- This bill introduces a specific sentencing enhancement for aggravated cruelty to animal offenses committed with a deadly weapon.
- It clarifies the definition of ‘deadly weapon’ for the purpose of this legislation.
Bill text
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Document of record
- Version
- Pn 1395 Html
- Published
- Not published in the source record
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Sponsors
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7 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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