CA SB922

Increases fines for leaving an animal unattended in a motor vehicle from $100 to $500 for first offense and from $500 to $2,000 for subsequent offenses or cases involving great bodily injury.

Changes first offense from infraction to misdemeanor when animal suffers great bodily injury, with potential jail time up to six months.

Requires persons convicted under this section to complete counseling, an education program on dangers of leaving animals in vehicles, or both, paid for by the defendant with ability-to-pay considerations.

Makes willful failure to complete court-ordered counseling or education program a misdemeanor offense.

For infraction convictions, defendants must file proof of program completion with the court within 18 months of conviction.