(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents the Humane Society.)
By Jamar Younger | Yellowsheet Report
The clock is ticking down to the final seconds on Sen. Shawnna Bolick’s animal cruelty bill, and its supporters are hoping for a hail mary to get it passed into law.
The Arizona Humane Society, who helped craft the bill, gathered at the legislature today to attend the House floor session and then received an update from Rep. Walt Blackman, who used a striker amendment on another Bolick bill to help advance the current measure, Senate Bill 1658.
The Humane Society was hoping to see the bill added to the House floor agenda today for a vote but will now have to wait until the chamber meets again on June 16.
The bill has struggled to garner enough Republican support in the chamber due to certain language in the measure, so stakeholders and supporters have been working to amend the bill so it can receive the necessary votes.
Blackman used a football analogy when describing the process, saying it’s “fourth-and-four,” meaning June 16 represents the last chance to advance the bill.
Cole Libera, Rose Law Group Government Affairs Deputy Director, tells RLGR:“Senate Bill 1658 reflects Arizona’s commitment to protecting companion animals. We’re proud to stand with the Arizona Humane Society to pass this critical legislation that strengthens protections for animals and ensures those who commit acts of cruelty are held accountable.”
