establishing procedures for expedited court hearings and disposition of confiscated animals.
Sponsored By: Daryl Abbas (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Faster hearings and bonds for animal owners
Beginning January 1, 2027, courts must prioritize cases involving animals confiscated by an arresting officer or the officer's agency. A status hearing must occur within 14 days of confiscation, limited to whether taking the animals was allowed. If allowed, the court may require the defendant or person appealing to post bond or other security up to $1,000 per animal. Alternatively, the court may decide what happens to the animals based on their health, safety, and well-being. For shared animals, the court may fairly transfer the defendant's ownership share to remaining owners if this serves the animal's health, safety, and well-being. Any ordered bond or security is due within 30 days after the order. The court may allow up to 15 extra days for good cause. Missing that deadline means losing ownership of the animals to the arresting officer, the officer's agency, or its designee. The court must return the bond or security upon a court-approved agreement between the parties or a not-guilty finding. Hearing results and owners' statements at the hearing cannot be used in related criminal prosecutions. The court can proceed despite an owner's absence without prior notice or proof of emergency circumstances within 3 days.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Daryl Abbas
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Cathryn A Harvey
Democratic • House
Daniel E. Innis
Republican • Senate
David H. Watters
Democratic • Senate
Joe H. Alexander
Republican • House
Keith R. Murphy
Republican • Senate
Kevin A. Avard
Republican • Senate
Regina Birdsell
Republican • Senate
Tim McGough
Republican • Senate
Victoria Sullivan
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor on 06/12/2026; Chapter 143; Effective 01/01/2027
6/22/2026SenateEnrolled (in recess of) 05/21/2026 HJ 14 P. 34
5/28/2026HouseEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 05/21/2026); SJ 14
5/28/2026SenateSen. Gannon Moved to Concur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
5/7/2026SenateOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-1347h: MA VV 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 11
4/23/2026HouseAmendment # 2026-1347h: AA VV 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 11
4/23/2026HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1347h 04/08/2026 (Vote 18-0; CC)
4/15/2026HouseExecutive Session: 04/08/2026 10:30 am GP 230
4/8/2026HousePublic Hearing: 03/25/2026 10:00 am GP 230
3/17/2026HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/12/2026 and referred to Judiciary HJ 8 P. 114
3/16/2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-0848s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/05/2026; SJ 5
2/24/2026SenateCommittee Amendment # 2026-0848s, AA, VV; 03/05/2026; SJ 5
2/24/2026SenateCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0848s, 03/05/2026; Vote 4-0; CC; SC 8
2/20/2026SenateHearing: 02/12/2026, Room 100, SH, 01:10 pm; SC 5
2/5/2026SenateIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 1
11/25/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
5/28/2026
Introduced
11/25/2025
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION
Version adopted by both bodies
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