HB 6 Summary

• Expands cruelty to animals statute to include sexual conduct with animals, including photographing or filming such conduct, and inducing others to engage in sexual conduct with animals.

• Defines "sexual conduct" with animals to include touching genitals or anus, transfer of semen, and any contact or intrusion between person and animal's genitals or anus for sexual gratification.

• Establishes sexual conduct offenses under AS 11.61.140(a)(6) and (7) as class A misdemeanor, with elevation to class C felony upon one or more prior convictions within 10 years.

• Courts may require animal forfeiture, reimbursement for care costs, and prohibition of animal ownership for up to 10 years for all animal cruelty convictions.

• Adds repeated instances of animal cruelty as an aggravating factor at sentencing under AS 12.55.155(c)(8), allowing sentences to consider prior conduct involving assaultive behavior and animal cruelty combined.