SB 200
Increasing criminal penalties and fines for assault on certain public service workers, law-enforcement officers, and police animals
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill increases criminal penalties for assaulting public service animals, law-enforcement officers, and police dogs. It establishes felony offenses for causing serious physical injury or death to these animals, with penalties ranging from significant fines to lengthy prison sentences. The bill also allows for self-defense when protecting a public service animal and clarifies the definition of ‘public safety animal’ and ‘public safety officer.’
Key provisions
- Increases criminal penalties for causing physical injury, serious physical injury, or death to public safety animals.
- Establishes felony offenses with fines and potential prison sentences for harming public safety animals.
- Allows for the defense of public service animals.
- Defines ‘public safety animal’ as an animal trained to assist public safety officers.
- Defines ‘public safety officer’ as law-enforcement, fire, correctional, or emergency services personnel.
- Specifies that prior qualifying offenses can lead to increased sentencing.
- Exempts individuals who euthanize injured animals as part of their official duties.
- Applies restitution to convicted offenders.
Who is affected
- Law enforcement officers
- Fire prevention and investigation officers
- Correctional officers
- Emergency services officers
- Owners and handlers of police dogs and other public safety animals
Notable changes
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