Modifies provisions relating to offenses involving animals
HB 3304 changes penalties for owners of dogs that bite people or animals. It increases penalties based on bite history and severity: a second bite becomes a misdemeanor, serious injury raises it to a higher misdemeanor or felony, and death makes it a felony. The bill requires immediate seizure and destruction of the dog after a bite (with a 10-day hold for appeals), unless the victim was engaged in criminal activity at the time. Dog owners can appeal the seizure in court within 30 days, but the dog remains impounded during the appeal. This directly affects dog owners whose pets bite, and excludes liability if the victim was committing a crime (excluding minor trespassing by children under 12).
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 12, 2026
Last action Apr 23, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
Introduced
→
House Committee Substitute
·
4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was amended to expand its scope by repealing two sections instead of one and adding a new offense called 'animal neglect' alongside the existing 'keeping a dangerous dog' offense. This change broadens the legislation to cover general animal welfare issues, not just dangerous dogs, while also updating penalty structures for both offenses.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded from solely addressing dangerous dogs to also addressing general animal neglect, including failure to provide care or control and abandonment of animals.
SCOPE
Added a new offense of 'animal neglect' that covers failing to provide adequate care, control, or abandoning animals, excluding livestock.
ENFORCEMENT
Updated penalties for animal neglect to include fines and potential felony charges for severe outcomes like death or significant property damage.
REQUIREMENT
Added provisions requiring courts to order payment for the care, maintenance, and disposal of neglected animals.
TECHNICAL
Changed the bill header and section numbering to reflect the addition of the new animal neglect section.
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
13
Key actions
4
Committee
6
Apr 23, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 9 NOES: 0 PRESENT: 0
lower
Apr 23, 2026
Lower · Passed
Voted Do Pass (H)
lower
Apr 14, 2026
Committee
Referred: Rules - Administrative(H)
lower
Apr 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
HCS Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 11 NOES: 1 PRESENT: 0
lower
Apr 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
HCS Voted Do Pass (H)
lower
Mar 4, 2026
Committee
Referred: Judiciary(H)
lower
Feb 12, 2026
Introduced
Introduced and Read First Time (H)
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Doyle Justus
RRepublican
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