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Panel debates stiffer animal-cruelty penalties and a court-based redemption path
Summary
Committee members discussed proposed changes to an animal-cruelty bill including up-to-5-year possession bans for misdemeanor first offenses (may), mandatory minimum possession prohibitions for repeat offenses, up-to-10-year forfeitures for felony offenses, and a possible court petition process to restore possession rights.
Committee members on Jan. 16 examined proposed revisions to an animal-cruelty bill that would increase possession prohibitions for certain convictions while preserving a mechanism for courts to consider restoration of rights.
Presiding Member (unnamed) described concerns about the bill's current 'shall' language and its effect on plea negotiation, urging more flexibility for individualized outcomes. "It takes away the ability for defense counsel…
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