Latest news with #AlCutrona
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Yahoo
Bill in Ohio would raise penalties for animal abuse
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A recently introduced Ohio bill would increase penalties for animal abuse and add limitations for offenders who seek to own or live with a pet. Senate Bill 64, introduced in February by Sen. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield), would upgrade multiple animal cruelty offenses to a greater charge and require judges to impose the maximum prison term for offenders. The bill applies to companion animals, which are defined in state law as any animal that is kept inside someone's residence, as well as any dog or cat. Teens push lawmakers for stricter tobacco regulations 'As an attorney, and fellow dog owner, it is difficult for me to objectively view the current criminal punishments for these acts of animal cruelty and be satisfied,' Cutrona said at the bill's first hearing last month. 'Dogs, cats or any other pets for that matter are the backbone and foundation of our families and the law should reflect that.' Although state law currently classifies knowingly committing an act of cruelty to a companion animal as a first-degree misdemeanor on a first offense, the bill would upgrade the charge to a fifth-degree felony. It also upgrades negligently committing an act of cruelty to a companion animal from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor. Similarly, the charge for dog kennel owners or workers who knowingly commit an act of cruelty against a pet would rise from a fifth-degree felony to a third-degree felony. For kennel employees who negligently commit an act of cruelty, the bill would upgrade the penalty from a first-degree misdemeanor to a fifth-degree felony. The legislation would also require courts to impose the maximum sentence for offenders convicted of an animal cruelty charge. For example, under Ohio law, a third-degree felony is punishable by nine to 36 months in prison. If a kennel worker was convicted of or pleaded guilty to knowingly committing an act of cruelty against a dog – a third-degree felony – the court would be required to sentence the offender to the maximum term of 36 months in prison. Financial expert warns of overracting to stock market volatility NBC4 reached out to multiple criminal justice reform organizations for their viewpoint on the bill, but they either did not respond or said they did not have a stance on the legislation at this time. Under current state law, felony animal abuse offenders cannot own or reside in a residence with certain animals for three years after their release from prison, or after their imposed punishment is complete. The current prohibition includes dogs older than 12 weeks old who have not been fixed, and any 'dangerous' dog. The bill would change this part of the law and apply the prohibition to all companion animals. In support of the bill, Cutrona cited a 1997 study by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Northeastern University that found people who abuse animals are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against humans. 'It is my strong belief, along with countless other Ohioans, that the act of committing violent, abusive crimes against companion animals should be subject to increased criminal punishments,' Cutrona said. SB 64 was assigned to the Judiciary Committee, where it awaits opponent and proponent testimony. For the full list of charges that would be affected by the bill, see the document below. Bill-analysis-for-Senate-Bill-64Download Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ohio lawmaker proposes gym membership tax credit
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — State lawmakers are debating whether to start paying Ohioans to work out. Senate Bill 89, sponsored by Ohio Sen. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield), aims to let people who have a gym membership or a personal trainer deduct up to $1,500 from their personal income taxes, and pay up to $200 in a nonrefundable tax credit. Columbus police officer fired after uploading body-worn camera footage to YouTube 'I want to make sure that we alleviate any possible obstacle that might be in front of somebody,' he said. 'This gives them the encouragement to say that, 'You know what? It's no longer a financial burden.'' The bill does not explicitly define 'gym membership,' but the analysis puts these guardrails on it: 'Gym memberships are all transactions by which a membership is granted, maintained, or renewed, including initiation fees, membership dues, renewal fees, monthly minimum fees, and other similar fees and dues, by a physical fitness facility such as an athletic club, health spa, or gymnasium, which entitles members to use the facility for physical exercise.' Cutrona said he wants to encourage gym-goers to keep it up, while attracting new people. He said part of the reason he introduced this bill is to help create a heathier state. He pointed out that Ohio, as of 2022, has the seventh-highest rate of obesity in the nation. 'Is this going to be the end all, be all to end obesity in the state of Ohio? No,' he said. 'But it's a step in the right direction and there's a lot of small steps we have to take to conquer the overall goal.' Cutrona said he hopes this helps motivate Ohioans who are struggling with obesity to hit the gym. Reynoldsburg responds after basketball player punches opponent below the belt 'They can get a move away from the pharmaceuticals and focus a little bit more on just lifestyle changes,' he said. Committee members who heard this bill agreed it is important to keep Ohio healthy. There was little pushback on the idea, but some had questions about cost and how many people would actually benefit. Cutrona said he does not have those answers for the Legislative Services Commission yet. While Cutrona does not know exactly how much this will cost the state, he said the costs will likely save Ohio money in the long run. He said now, taxpayers are keeping up with the demand of programs like Medicaid for some Ohioans who suffer health complications from issues like obesity. 'We will see a major benefit here in the state of Ohio by the cost savings, by having healthier people, because it costs across the state of Ohio a lot of dollars to keep people healthy,' Cutrona said. 'If we can keep people healthier, that's less dollars we are spending as a whole.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
