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HF1816 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Office of Animal Protection established and duties provided, definition of crime of violence expanded, and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF1163

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes the establishment of the Office of Animal Protection within Minnesota's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, under the Department of Public Safety. The office would have the following duties:

  1. Prevent Animal Cruelty: Promote enforcement, education, investigation, and prosecution efforts related to animal cruelty.
  2. Collaboration: Work with law enforcement, forensic veterinarians, animal welfare professionals, and human welfare experts to address cruelty and its connection to human violence.
  3. Training & Standards: Provide training, certification, and public awareness campaigns about humane treatment and the societal impact of animal cruelty.
  4. Data Collection & Research: Gather and analyze data related to animal cruelty cases and publicize relevant research.
  5. Grants: Award grants to state and local agencies and nonprofit organizations for animal protection efforts.

The bill also establishes an Advisory Committee to assist the office, composed of experts in criminal law, animal welfare, and victim services.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "crime of violence" in Minnesota law to include certain animal cruelty offenses, potentially increasing penalties for offenders.

Finally, the bill creates an Animal Protection Account to receive funding through donations, grants, and contributions, which would be used to support the office’s work.

Summary Impact:

  • Strengthens enforcement of animal cruelty laws.
  • Recognizes the link between animal abuse and human violence.
  • Expands legal definitions to treat serious animal cruelty as a violent crime.
  • Centralizes and enhances state prosecution, investigation, and education efforts regarding animal protection.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 03, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toPublic Safety Finance and Policy
March 05, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
March 17, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthors added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Introduces 'animal cruelty' under chapter 343 into the list of felonies considered as crimes of violence."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill expands the definition of 'crime of violence' under section 624.712.",
      "modified": [
        "Includes additional offenses related to animal cruelty within the crime of violence definition."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "624.712",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "References definition for 'animal' in section 343.20.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "343.20",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "References definition for 'animal cruelty' in section 343.20.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "343.20",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors