Legislation - HB0563

Title: Criminal Law - Emergency Response Animal - Prohibited Actions Against
Sponsored by: Delegates Behler and Cardin
Status: In the House - Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.
Analysis: Fiscal and Policy Note

Synopsis

Repealing the prohibition against intentionally inflicting bodily harm, permanent disability, or death on an animal owned or used by a law enforcement unit; prohibiting a person from harassing, interfering with, injuring, or killing or causing serious physical injury to an emergency response animal; and establishing that a person who violates the Act is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject certain imprisonment, fines, or both upon conviction.

Committees

Original:: Judiciary

Details

Cross-filed with: SB0360

Bill File Type: Regular

Effective Date(s): October 1, 2026

History

Legislation History
Chamber House Calendar Date 1/28/2026 Legislative Date 1/28/2026 Action First Reading Judiciary Proceedings
Chamber Calendar Date Legislative Date Action Text - First - Criminal Law - Emergency Response Animal - Prohibited Actions Against Proceedings
Chamber House Calendar Date 2/02/2026 Legislative Date 2/02/2026 Action Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m. Proceedings

Chamber	Calendar Date	Legislative Date	Action
House	1/28/2026	1/28/2026	First Reading Judiciary
			Text - First - Criminal Law - Emergency Response Animal - Prohibited Actions Against
House	2/02/2026	2/02/2026	Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.

File Code

Subjects

Statutes