Committee backs "Trooper's Law" to raise penalty for abandoning animals during declared weather emergencies

CS for SB 150 — billed by supporters as "Trooper's Law" — was reported favorably by the Senate Committee on Agriculture after a short presentation and no sustained debate.

Senator Gates, sponsor, told the committee the bill responds to a viral October incident in which a highway patrolman rescued a pit bull tied to a fence along Interstate 75 near Tampa as floodwaters rose. "Sometimes we get to do a good thing, about a bad thing, and that's this bill," Senator Gates said, describing the animal's rescue and noting that in many cases criminal charges are limited to misdemeanors.

The bill would make "extreme animal cruelty" during a declared weather emergency — described in committee as hurricanes, tropical storms or tornadoes declared by the National Weather Service — a third-degree felony. Gates said the measure is an acknowledgment of the trooper who rescued the dog and would increase penalties for abandoning animals in dangerous conditions.

Senator Boyd said she supported the measure and called it "a step forward," adding she was "appalled" that someone would abandon a helpless animal.

With no amendments or extended debate, the committee clerk called the roll. The committee recorded unanimous support: Senators Bernard, Boyd, Burton, Hassan, Vice Chair Graw and Chair Trudeau voted yes. Committee minutes state, "By your vote, CS for SB 150 is reported favorably."

The action now moves from the committee; the transcript does not specify the committee's next stop or any effective dates for the proposed criminal changes.

Ending: The committee's discussion and the recorded vote indicate the panel's support for tougher penalties in cases of animal abandonment during declared weather emergencies. The bill text, implementing language, and any later amendments will determine when and how the felony change would take effect.