SB1801 Summary: Animal Abuse Registry

• Requires persons convicted of aggravated cruelty, animals-for-entertainment violations, or dog fighting to register with county sheriffs for 7 years following conviction, or 10 years if convicted of 2 or more such offenses.

• Applies to persons currently residing in Illinois who were convicted of similar offenses in other U.S. jurisdictions, territories, or foreign nations.

• Establishes registration fees of $50 initially and $25 for annual renewals, with $2 per fee retained by the sheriff for administrative costs and remaining funds deposited into a new Animal Abuse Registry Fund.

• Requires county sheriffs to maintain local animal abuse registries and the Illinois State Police to maintain a central registry with public access via internet and telephone, with personal information removed after the required registration period ends.

• Makes failure to register, provide accurate information, or notify of address changes a Class 3 felony for first offense and Class 2 felony for subsequent offenses.