2016 -- H 7768

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LC005133

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

     Introduced By: Representatives Serpa, Ackerman, Fellela, Tobon, and Lima

     Date Introduced: February 26, 2016

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 4-1-24 of the General Laws in Chapter 4-1 entitled "Cruelty to

Animals" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     4-1-24. Jurisdiction of offenses -- Appeals. – (a) The district court has concurrent

jurisdiction with the superior court, over all offenses under this chapter and to the full extent of

the penalties specified. Parties defendant, however, have the same right to appeal from the

sentence of a district court as is now provided by law in other criminal cases.

     (b) The director of the department of environmental management is hereby authorized to

promulgate, adopt, and enforce any and all rules and regulations deemed necessary to carry out

the duties and responsibilities under this chapter.

     (c) In addition to the above judicial penalties, the director of the department of

environmental management may institute administrative proceedings alleging the violation of any

rule or regulation promulgated pursuant to this chapter before the administrative adjudication

division pursuant to chapters 17.6 and 17.7 of title 42 consistent with the provisions of chapter 35

of title 42 ("administrative procedures act").

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC005133

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

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     This act would authorize the director of the department of environmental management to

promulgate rules and regulations to permit the administrative enforcement of regulations

pertaining to cruelty to animals.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC005133

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