SB 0491 - Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note - SB 0491 - Animal Abuse

L.R. NO.  2082-01
BILL NO.  Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed SB 491
SUBJECT:  Agriculture:  Animal Abuse
TYPE:     Original
DATE:     May 7, 1996



                              FISCAL SUMMARY
                    ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON STATE FUNDS


FUND AFFECTED              FY 1997             FY 1998           FY 1999

None

Total Estimated
Net Effect on All
State Funds                     $0                  $0                $0


                   ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON FEDERAL FUNDS


FUND AFFECTED              FY 1997             FY 1998           FY 1999

None

Total Estimated
Net Effect on All
Federal Funds                   $0                  $0                $0


                    ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON LOCAL FUNDS


FUND AFFECTED              FY 1997             FY 1998           FY 1999

Local Government                $0                  $0                $0


                              FISCAL ANALYSIS

ASSUMPTION

Officials from the Office of State Courts Administrator assume the proposed
legislation would not result in any appreciable change in the volume of
litigation and therefore report no fiscal impact.

Officials from the Department of Corrections anticipate that the proposed
legislation would result in a minimal number of convictions actually
resulting in incarceration and therefore report no fiscal impact.

Officials from the Office of the State Public Defender (SPD) assume that the
proposed legislation would have a minimal impact on their agency and that
existing staff could represent those cases arising where indigent persons
were accused of animal abuse.  However, passage of more than one similar bill
might require the SPD to request increased appropriations.

Officials from the Office of Prosecution Services and the Department of
Economic Development (Professional Registration - Veterinary Board) assume
the proposed legislation would have no fiscal impact on their respective
budgets.


FISCAL IMPACT - State Government   FY 1997   FY 1998   FY 1999
                                  (10 Mo.)

                                        $0        $0        $0

FISCAL IMPACT  - Local Government  FY 1997   FY 1998   FY 1999
                                  (10 Mo.)

                                        $0        $0        $0

DESCRIPTION

The proposed legislation would make animal abuse a Class D felony for a
defendant who has previously pled guilty or been found guilty of animal abuse
that consisted of torture and/or mutilation of an animal consciously
inflicted while the animal was alive.  Current law requires both criteria for
the felony charge, rather than one or the other.  The term "animal" would be
defined as a mammal.

This legislation is not federally mandated, would not duplicate any other
program and would not require additional capital improvements or rental
space.


SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Office of State Courts Administrator
Department of Corrections
Office of the State Public Defender
Office of Prosecution Services
Department of Economic Development (Professional Registration - Veterinary
Board)