HB209 Summary

• Amends Section 13A-11-260 of the Alabama Code to expand police animal protection laws to include animals handled by Class One Railroad Officers or special agents, in addition to peace officers and firefighters.

• Defines key terms for police animal protection including "containment area," "handler," "harass," "physical harm," "police animal," "search and rescue animal," and "serious physical harm."

• Specifies that harassment of police animals includes taunting, physical contact, spraying substances, placing harmful items in their path, and other acts that could injure or distract the animal or handler.

• Excludes the bill from Amendment 621 requirements regarding local expenditures because it defines a new crime or amends an existing crime definition.

• Becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor or upon otherwise becoming law.