(1) Stops or otherwise interferes with a motor vehicle transporting livestock;

(2) Provokes or disturbs livestock when the livestock is confined in a motor vehicle; or

(3) Puts or places a substance on the livestock that affects its health or use.

The offense of interference with the transportation of livestock is a Class E felony for the first offense and a Class C felony for any subsequent offense.

The defendant may assert an affirmative defense of consent by proving by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she had the consent of the owner of the livestock. Additionally, this act shall not apply to law enforcement officers enforcing the law.

This act is identical to provision in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SB 186 (2023) and substantially similar to SB 666 (2023).

MARY GRACE PRINGLE