H.R. 4638: Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act (119th Congress) Bill Summary

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.