Latest news with #HB255
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Animal abusers will face harsher penalties under newly signed bills
DeSantis signed Trooper's Law on May 28, 2025. (Photo via via Leon County Humane Society Facebook) Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two bills Wednesday that will increase fines and sentences for people convicted of abusing pets or restraining them outside during natural disasters. Lawmakers passed the bills, HB 255 and SB 150, in honor of Dexter, a bulldog mix found decapitated and dumped in St. Petersburg, and Trooper, a bull terrier a Florida Highway Patrol officer found tied to a fence along Interstate 75 as Hurricane Milton approached. 'Current sentencing guidelines don't match the gravity of these crimes, and it was evident that Florida law needed to do more to protect dogs from senseless violence,' DeSantis said during the bill signing ceremony in Loxahatchee. Dexter's Law, which will go into effect July 1, creates a sentencing multiplier for people convicted of intentionally torturing, mutilating, or killing a pet, meaning that they could serve a longer sentence. Under the bill, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement must create, by the beginning of 2026, a database of people who plead guilty or no contest or who have been convicted of animal cruelty. At least seven counties and Tallahassee have a registry of animal abusers, according to a legislative bill analysis. A judge sentenced the 66-year-old who decapitated Dexter days after adopting him last year and dumped his body in Fort De Soto Park to a year and 60 days in jail, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Trooper's Law will go into effect on Oct. 1 and will make it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outside during a natural disaster. Third-degree felonies are punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. Trooper Orlando Morales said he'd responded to a report of an animal in distress 'It took several loops, but I thank God that He gave me the right time and right place of where to be, and after the second or third loop, I was able to find a dog clearly in water, in distress,' Morales said. 'And it was a horrific moment to be in.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Dangerous dog' owners in Florida may have to buy insurance. What penalties they could face
Owners of "dangerous dogs" will be required to register them, keep them penned, and carry liability insurance of at least $100,000 under a bill sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis. The bill also requires animal control to quarantine dogs that are being investigated as menaces and mandates a posted notice for any dogs available for adoption that have previously been declared dangerous. The bill was sent to DeSantis May 16 and is dubbed the "Pam Rock Act" in honor of a 62-year-old Putnam County mail carrier who was mauled to death by five dogs when her truck broke down in a rural area in 2022. It was introduced by Rep. Judson Sapp, R-Green Cove Springs, and Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa. The bill 'can't stop every attack, but it will save lives, protect good dogs and hold negligent owners accountable,' Sapp told the House State Affairs Committee in April. The bill passed unanimously in the House and Senate. Anyone violating the Pam Rock Act would be subject to fines up to $1,000 per violation, and anyone obstructing animal control from enforcing the act could get fined up to $1,000 and/or get jail time up to a year. This is separate from HB 255, also known as "Dexter's Law," which creates a statewide animal cruelty database. That bill also passed unanimously but has not yet been sent to DeSantis' desk. Here's what to know. Sapp called the Pam Rock Act "breed neutral." No dog breeds are mentioned in the text, which places more restrictions and penalties on the owners. 'We have to remember that they are animals, and just like a human animal, there are inherently bad and inherently good, but I do think bad behavior of owners definitely can turn a good dog bad,' Sapp said. Instead, it defines a dangerous dog as one that has: "Aggressively bitten, attacked, or inflicted severe injury on a human being" Has chased or approached a person in a menacing fashion in a public area (if sworn to and investigated) The bill also clarifies that dogs subject to a dangerous dog investigation that have killed a human being or bitten one and left a bite mark that "scores 5 or higher on the Dunbar bite scale" must be confiscated and quarantined until the outcome of the investigation and any hearings or appeals. Dogs being investigated for any other reason may be impounded and held. If not, the owner must confine them in a "proper enclosure." The bill includes the legislative finding that "such attacks are in part attributable to the failure of owners to confine and properly train and control their dogs" and requires that the owner of a dog classified as dangerous must do all of the following: Register the dog and renew the registration annually Have a microchip implanted Spay or neuter the dog Obtain liability insurance of at least $100,000 to cover damages resulting from an attack If a dog has killed a human being or left a bite mark scoring 5 or higher on the Dunbar bite scale, animal control must humanely euthanize the dog under the bill. The animal control authority may also euthanize any other dangerous dog that has been surrendered. If the animal control authority elects to put a dangerous dog up for adoption, it must post signage on the dog's enclosure to let potential adopters know that the dog is dangerous. New owners will also have to abide by the owner requirements listed above. An owner of a dog they knew was potentially dangerous but demonstrates "a reckless disregard for suchpropensities" commits a first-degree misdemeanor under the bill if the dog attacks and causes severe injury to, or death of, a human. Violations mean a fine up to $1,000 and/or up to one year in jail. Currently, Florida statutes consider this a second-degree misdemeanor. The bill also makes resisting or obstructing an animal control officer from enforcing the law a first-degree misdemeanor. Knowingly and willfully removing a microchip from a dangerous dog is a third-degree felony, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment up to 5 years. The Bite Scale was developed by Dr. Ian Dunbar to objectively assess the severity of dog bites. It breaks down as: Fearful, aggressive, or out-of-control behavior, but no skin contact by teeth Skin contact by teeth, but no skin puncture One to four punctures from a single bite with no puncture deeper than half the length of the dog's canine teeth, which may include slight bruising or lacerations One to four punctures from a single bite, with at least one puncture deeper than half the length of the dog's canine teeth and considerable bruising around the wound or lacerations in both directions from the dog's actions Multiple bites with at least two Level 4 bites or multiple attack incidents with at least one Level 4 bite in each Death of victim Pam Rock, 61, was delivering mail on Aug. 21, 2022, when her vehicle broke down in the Interlachen Lake Estates area, according to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office. Her brother Tom Rock later said she had called for help and was delivering mail on foot. Witnesses said they heard a woman screaming for help and found Rock on the ground being mauled by five dogs. Several neighbors attempted to pull the dogs off and one shot a rifle into the ground to frighten them away, they said. First responders did what they could, even restarting her heart at one point, and the severely wounded Rock was transported to a hospital and then flown to a trauma center in Gainesville. While attempting to save her, doctors were forced to amputate her right leg, her right arm and her left ear, Tom Rock said. Despite their efforts, Rock died the next day. She had been with the mail service for seven months. In August 2024, the Melrose Post Office was dedicated as the "Pamela Jane Rock Post Office Building." Contributing: James Call, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida 'dangerous dog' owners insurance may soon be required
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bernalillo County District Attorney speaks out on failed juvenile crime bills in the legislature
BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham made a loud push this session to reform New Mexico's juvenile crime law but after a major effort fell flat. One of the state's most prominent prosecutors is now calling out lawmakers for a lack of action. Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman is one of the biggest advocates calling for tougher penalties against some juveniles. He said lawmakers have left him frustrated. 'I can tell there was absolutely not one single bill when it comes to changing children's code, the delinquency act, not one,' said Bregman. It's not the outcome he hoped for at the end of a 60-day session with two bills aimed at juvenile crime reforms failing to make it to the governor's desk. Story continues below Crime: Sentencing begins for group involved in fatal drive-by shooting of 5-year-old Entertainment: When will ski resorts in New Mexico, southern Colorado close for 2025? Rankings: Where does this New Mexico town rank among the 2025 'Best Places to Live'? HB 255 would have toughened penalties and added rehabilitation resources but it failed a Senate vote. Despite that failure, House leadership said over the weekend that New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department reforms should help. 'First and foremost, I think fixing CYFD is addressing juvenile crime, you cannot talk about juvenile crime without ensuring that this state steps up and shows up for those children who are in situations where they are struggling,' said Javier Martinez, Speaker of the House, Bregman disagrees. 'I hope they changed a lot of things in CYFD for the better whatever that might be, but they did nothing about holding kids accountable, having some consequences nothing whatsoever,' said Bregman. The push for change comes after a mass shooting involving teens in Las Cruces Friday night and recent news of an 11, 13, and 15-year-old being charged for hitting and killing a bicyclist last year. 'We are going to hold everybody accountable that murdered that bicyclist on his way to work, we're going to hold them accountable and hold them to the full extent of the law,' said Bregman. But Bregman notes gaps in the Children's Code continue to make difficult work for prosecutors. 'I want you to hold these young people accountable when they violate the law. And start when they first violate the law, when they steal their first car. Make sure they understand there's a consequence to that behavior. They're going to be accountable… So that down the road, we don't have situations where the first time they're being held accountable is when they're being prosecuted for murder,' said Bregman. The governor has signaled that she could call another special session on crime and Bregman said he too is in support of the idea. Democrats in both the House and Senate said Saturday they don't think a special session on crime will work unless the bills are figured out ahead of time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tension among governor and New Mexico lawmakers as end of legislative session nears
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – With just hours left in the legislative session, sparks are flying between Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and lawmakers, over some of the session's high-profile priorities. The governor blasted the legislature and the Attorney General over their approach to fixing the troubled New Mexico Children Youth and Families Department. Meanwhile, lawmakers have run out of time to agree on legislation, aimed at dealing with kids who commit crimes. On Friday, the governor signed a bipartisan bill, HB 5, reforming CYFD. Although she said it wasn't the solution she wanted, the attorney general says it's a big step in the right direction. Story continues below NM Film: ABQ City Council votes to let plans move forward for film studio Crime: Man accused of orchestrating shootings at lawmakers' homes found guilty Weather: Warmer weather on first day of spring for New Mexico Don't Miss: How has Albuquerque's housing market changed over the years? 'Legislators have been exhausted by the excuses, exhausted by repeatedly hearing from different cabinet secretaries about their intention to try to make improvements there. I think its an important step one that will hopefully take us to a place where kids in state custody are better protected,' said New Mexico Attorney General, Raúl Torrez. The governor signed into law the bill creating 'Office of the Child Advocate,' a public agency responsible for investigating complaints against CYFD. It would also be able to refer cases to the Attorney General for prosecution, something that the governor expressed opposition to in a letter to lawmakers saying, that having the AG's office involved 'weaponized' the office against CYFD and that it was 'a thinly-disguised vendetta' by the legislature against the governor. Juvenile crime reform was also a big topic this session, but the last bill left on the issue, HB 255, failed to pass the Senate floor Thursday night with lawmakers disagreeing over how much to strengthen penalties, versus creating more support systems, sparking a heated reaction from sponsor Senator Moe Maestas (D-Albuquerque). 'We have to represent the consciousness of this state and not hang our hat on one provision of a 31-page bill that is the epitome of compromise,' said Sen. Maestas. Other bills on their way to the governor's desk include a proposal to let districts decide the number of days in a school year, HB 65, and a bill requiring districts to create rules for student cell phone use in schools, SB 11. Lawmakers also passed bills aimed at helping communities affected by wildfires, including the Wildfire Prevention Act, SB 33, which focuses on tree thinning and creating buffer zones to protect homes. And a bill offering zero-interest loans to communities for recovery. A hotly debated topic on the House floor Friday afternoon was whether to allow voters not affiliated with a major political party to vote in the party primary of their choice. That bill, SB 16, passed 36-33. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NM lawmaker whose son was murdered rips Dems for ‘homicide scholarships' after her crime bill was tanked
A New Mexico lawmaker whose son was murdered by a juvenile expressed outrage this week after her criminal justice bill was tanked in favor of what some on the right are calling a "homicide scholarship" program. State Rep. Nicole Chavez of Albuquerque said Thursday she is "sickened" by the developments. "New Mexico Democrats voted to hand offenders like my son's killer $2,000 a month—some twisted reward for shattering my family," Chavez said of the "homicide scholarship" moniker first dubbed by state Rep. Rod Montoya, R-Farmington, earlier this month. That bill would provide a monthly stipend for certain former convicts under the age of 26 seeking educational opportunities or other ways to get on the proverbial straight-and-narrow, according to multiple reports. Per the text of the bill, it would provide money for the Juvenile Community Connections Fund to be used toward programs providing services for adjudicated delinquents and youth, and establish a panel to determine the next steps for a convict released from a juvenile facility. "I sponsored HB 134 to deliver justice and accountability, but they refused to come to the table," Chavez said of her original bill. Read On The Fox News App Chavez's bill, which had the support of Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, was effectively tanked by Democrats in the House – reportedly including some originally warm to it. HB 134 sought to update 1970's-era New Mexico laws outlining the criminal justice process for juveniles, including moving some violent crimes like first-degree murder for younger teen suspects to adult court. Nm Lawmakers Claim Sweeping Gun Control Bill Is 'Dems Disarming Us' Lujan Grisham and a handful of Democratic prosecutors supported the bill, according to the Piñon Post, but four Democrats in the Consumer & Public Affairs Committee successfully tabled the bill, which has yet to see further movement as the session winds down. "This is not progress—it is a knife in the heart of every parent who has buried a child," Chavez said Thursday. "New Mexico Democrats have turned their backs on victims and their families, choosing instead to reward the very criminals who destroyed our lives." Instead, the purported "homicide scholarship" bill was given a reading and passed by the House earlier this month. Montoya told the Santa Fe New Mexican the new bill, HB 255, is "a perfect example of how progressives think about crime, that the individual doesn't need to be held responsible for their actions – [in that they] need to be coddled, that they're somehow a victim themselves, and we need to make sure that they have an opportunity, and we need to do everything we can to rehabilitate them even when it means we do more for them than the victims." Lujan Grisham did not respond to requests for comment on the latter bill. NM TEENS 13 & 15 CHARGED WITH MURDER The governor approved a criminal justice package earlier this month that reportedly targeted fentanyl trafficking in the border state and dealt with suspects deemed mentally unfit for trial and grand theft auto penalties. However, she was also lambasted by Republicans for supporting what conservatives called one of the strictest pieces of gun control legislation last week. Meanwhile, another top House Republican called the "homicide scholarship" bill "another betrayal to New Mexicans." "Democrats have forced through legislation that gives juvenile murderers $2,000 monthly scholarships, funded by the sweat of hardworking taxpayers. This isn't compassion—it's a perverse reward for bloodshed, a signal to every thug that crime pays in this state," said Rep. Stefani Lord of Sandia Park. Rep. Andrea Reeb, R-Clovis, added that "Homicide Scholarships should alarm every New Mexican who fears for their safety," and that the signal sent by the bill is that "crime truly pays." "Instead of passing common-sense legislation [from Chavez] … they are playing political games at the expense of victims and taxpayers," Reeb said, while Rep. John Block, R-Alamogordo, added that in the Land of Enchantment, "victims get ignored; thugs get pampered." Fox News Digital reached out for a response from Senate President Pro-Tem Mimi Stewart and House Speaker Javier Martinez, both Albuquerque Democrats. House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski, D-Santa Fe, also did not respond by press time. One Democrat, Rep. Andrea Romero of Santa Fe, spoke to the Albuquerque Journal about her opposition to Chavez' bill, saying that "we're talking about detaining and committing children." An Albuquerque prosecutor also cited a 57% increase in juvenile crime in a one-year period through 2023. Lujan Grisham told the paper that she will continue to urge lawmakers to "answer the call" on juvenile justice article source: NM lawmaker whose son was murdered rips Dems for 'homicide scholarships' after her crime bill was tanked
