H.R. 4638: Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act
This bill, known as the "Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act" or the "BOWOW Act," aims to modify the Immigration and Nationality Act by introducing provisions concerning individuals who harm law enforcement animals.
Key Provisions
Inadmissibility
The bill states that any individual (referred to as an "alien") who has been convicted of, or admits to having harmed animals used in law enforcement, will be considered inadmissible to the United States. This means that such individuals would not be allowed to enter the country.
Deportability
In addition to inadmissibility, the bill also establishes that any alien who has been convicted of, or admits to having harmed law enforcement animals, can be deported. This process would apply to individuals already residing in the U.S. who meet these criteria.
Legal Context
The legislation specifically references Section 1368 of Title 18 of the United States Code, which relates to offenses concerning the harming of animals used in enforcement roles. The bill aims to extend legal consequences for these offenses within the immigration framework.
Purpose of the Bill
The intent of the BOWOW Act is to strengthen protections for official working animals, which play significant roles in law enforcement. By making harming these animals a basis for both inadmissibility and deportation, the bill seeks to enhance legal accountability for such actions.
Implementation
If passed, the provisions of this bill would be integrated into existing immigration laws, thus affecting how future cases involving the outlined offenses are handled by immigration authorities.
Considerations
Those implicated under the new provisions would face serious legal consequences, thus emphasizing the bill's focus on the protection of law enforcement animals.
Relevant Companies
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This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
20 bill sponsors
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TrackKen Calvert
Sponsor
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TrackDon Bacon
Co-Sponsor
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TrackVern Buchanan
Co-Sponsor
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TrackElijah Crane
Co-Sponsor
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TrackBrian K. Fitzpatrick
Co-Sponsor
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TrackBrandon Gill
Co-Sponsor
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TrackPat Harrigan
Co-Sponsor
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TrackDarrell Issa
Co-Sponsor
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TrackNick LaLota
Co-Sponsor
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TrackNancy Mace
Co-Sponsor
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TrackTom McClintock
Co-Sponsor
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TrackDan Newhouse
Co-Sponsor
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TrackBurgess Owens
Co-Sponsor
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TrackMichael A. Rulli
Co-Sponsor
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TrackPete Stauber
Co-Sponsor
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TrackW. Gregory Steube
Co-Sponsor
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TrackClaudia Tenney
Co-Sponsor
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TrackThomas P. Tiffany
Co-Sponsor
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TrackDaniel Webster
Co-Sponsor
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TrackRoger Williams
Co-Sponsor
Actions
17 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Mar. 19, 2026 | Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115. (consideration: CR H2600-2606) |
| Mar. 19, 2026 | DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4638. |
| Mar. 19, 2026 | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| Mar. 19, 2026 | On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 228 - 190 (Roll no. 96). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2600) |
| Mar. 19, 2026 | Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 228 - 190 (Roll no. 96). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2600) |
| Mar. 19, 2026 | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. |
| Mar. 19, 2026 | Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958 and H.R. 4638. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958, and H.R. 4638 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill. |
| Mar. 19, 2026 | The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. |
| Mar. 17, 2026 | Rule H. Res. 1115 passed House. |
| Mar. 16, 2026 | Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1115 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958 and H.R. 4638. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958, and H.R. 4638 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill. |
| Dec. 12, 2025 | Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 355. |
| Dec. 12, 2025 | Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-407. |
| Nov. 20, 2025 | Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held |
| Nov. 20, 2025 | Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 18 - 12. |
| Nov. 18, 2025 | Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held |
| Jul. 23, 2025 | Introduced in House |
| Jul. 23, 2025 | Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. |
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