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Bill

A 1609

Designates a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals as a qualified agency for the purpose of allowing access to the division of criminal justice services central data facility

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Conrad and 3 co-sponsors

Bill A 1609 empowers animal welfare societies by granting them access to criminal justice data, enhancing their ability to investigate and combat animal cruelty effectively.

REFERRED TO CODES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 1609

Summary of Bill A 1609

Bill Number: A 1609
Title: Designates a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals as a qualified agency for the purpose of allowing access to the division of criminal justice services central data facility
Status: Referred to Codes
Introduced: January 10, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 1609 aims to enhance the capabilities of societies dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals by granting them access to the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) central data facility. This access is intended to improve the enforcement of animal welfare laws and facilitate investigations into animal cruelty cases.

Key Provisions

  • Designation as a Qualified Agency: The bill designates specific societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals as qualified agencies. This designation allows these organizations to access vital data from the DCJS central data facility.

  • Access to Criminal Justice Data: By gaining access to this data, these societies can obtain information relevant to animal cruelty investigations, including criminal records and other pertinent data that may assist in their efforts to protect animals.

Affected Parties

  • Animal Welfare Organizations: Societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals will benefit directly from this bill, as it will enhance their investigative capabilities and support their mission to combat animal cruelty.

  • Law Enforcement Agencies: The bill may also indirectly affect law enforcement agencies by improving collaboration between animal welfare organizations and police, leading to more effective responses to animal cruelty incidents.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 10, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Codes Committee for further consideration. This is an important step in the legislative process, as the committee will review the bill and may make recommendations or amendments before it is brought to the floor for a vote.

Related Legislation

  • A 8150: A prior-session bill that may have addressed similar issues regarding animal welfare and enforcement.

  • S 8228: A companion bill in the Senate that likely parallels the provisions of A 1609, indicating a broader legislative interest in enhancing animal protection measures.

Conclusion

Bill A 1609 represents a significant step towards strengthening the enforcement of animal cruelty laws by empowering dedicated organizations with access to crucial criminal justice data. If passed, it could lead to more effective investigations and ultimately better protection for animals in the community.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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