Public Act No. 23-149 Summary

• Creates new crime of "sexual assault of an animal" as a class A misdemeanor, defined as knowingly engaging in sexual contact with an animal, forcing another person to engage in such contact, or creating/distributing pornographic images of such conduct.

• Imposes 5-year post-conviction restrictions on offenders convicted under the new animal sexual assault law, prohibiting ownership, possession, residence with, adoption, or foster placement of any animal and barring employment or volunteering in positions involving animal care or contact.

• Adds "sexual contact with an animal" to the definition of sexual assault in the fourth degree and updates animal control authority to allow officers to take possession of animals suspected of being sexually assaulted for examination, care, treatment, and evidence preservation.

• Requires veterinarians to report suspected animal harm, neglect, or cruelty from animal fighting exhibitions to law enforcement, with immunity from civil liability for good faith reports.

• Establishes similar 5-year post-conviction restrictions on animal ownership and employment for persons convicted of animal cruelty offenses under section 53-247.