Senate Bill 1798 Summary

• Prohibits importing, selling, buying, trading, breeding, and possessing certain dangerous animals including big cats, bears, and nonhuman primates unless exempted.

• Exempts USDA-licensed exhibitors, research facilities, veterinary clinics, licensed wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife rehabilitators, law enforcement, and transit through the state for under 96 hours.

• Allows law enforcement and animal control to immediately confiscate prohibited animals acquired after the effective date, those in poor condition, or those held illegally, with required notification to the possessor.

• Permits existing owners with lawful possession before the effective date to continue keeping animals if they notify local animal control within 45 days with detailed animal information; prohibits acquiring additional animals or replacement animals.

• Establishes misdemeanor penalties of $300 minimum fine for first offense and $500 minimum for second offense, or jail time of 10 days to 1 year, or animal confiscation under existing statute.