Pennsylvania SB1311: An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for prohibition of ownership; and, in sentencing, providing for animal abuse registry.

What the bill says

From the amended text, October 6, 2026:

PRIOR PRINTER'S NOS. 1650, 1982, 2005 PRINTER'S NO. 2009 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA SENATE BILL No. Session of INTRODUCED BY LAUGHLIN, MALONE, BARTOLOTTA, PICOZZI, CULVER, J. WARD, VOGEL, PENNYCUICK, ROBINSON, BOSCOLA, FARRY AND BROWN, APRIL 28, 2026 SENATOR MARTIN, APPROPRIATIONS, RE-REPORTED AS AMENDED, OCTOBER 6, 2026 Amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for prohibition of ownership; and, in sentencing, providing for animal abuse registry. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows: Section 1. Section 5555 of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended to read: § 5555. Prohibition of ownership. Notwithstanding any provision of law and in addition to any other penalty provided by law, the authority imposing sentence upon a conviction for a violation of this subchapter [may] shall order the prohibition or limitation of the defendant's ownership, possession, control or custody of animals or employment with the care of animals for a period of time not to exceed the statutory maximum term of imprisonment applicable to the offense for which sentence is being imposed. A humane society police officer, law enforcement officer or State dog warden shall have authority to ensure compliance with this section and may notify the local …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Daniel Laughlin (R, 49) · primary sponsor
• James Malone (D, 36)
• Camera Bartolotta (R, 46)
• Joseph Picozzi (R, 5)
• Culver, Lynda Schlegel (R, 27)
• Judith Ward (R, 30)
• Vogel Jr., Elder A. (R, 47)
• Tracy Pennycuick (R, 24)
• Devlin Robinson (R, 37)
• Lisa Boscola (D, 18)
• Frank Farry (R, 6)
• Rosemary Brown (R, 40)

Latest actions

1. October 7, 2026: Referred to JUDICIARY, Oct. 7, 2026
2. October 7, 2026: In the House
3. October 6, 2026: (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Oct. 6, 2026
4. October 6, 2026: Third consideration and final passage, Oct. 6, 2026 (33-17)
5. October 6, 2026: Re-reported as amended, Oct. 6, 2026
6. October 6, 2026: Re-referred to APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 6, 2026
7. October 5, 2026: Re-reported as amended, Oct. 5, 2026
8. October 5, 2026: Re-referred to RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, Oct. 5, 2026
9. September 30, 2026: Second consideration, Sept. 30, 2026
10. September 29, 2026: First consideration, Sept. 29, 2026

Votes

• Senate Floor: SB1311, RC 540 (October 6, 2026): 33 yea, 17 nay, passed
• Senate Appropriations: Re-Reported as Amended (October 6, 2026): 14 yea, 8 nay, passed
• Senate Appropriations: Adopt Amendment (October 6, 2026): 22 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Senate Rules & Executive Nominations: Re-Reported as Amended (October 5, 2026): 12 yea, 4 nay, passed
• Senate Rules & Executive Nominations: Adopt Amendment (October 5, 2026): 12 yea, 4 nay, passed
• Senate Judiciary: Reported as Amended (September 29, 2026): 11 yea, 3 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB1311?

SB1311 is a bill in the Pennsylvania Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): An Act amending Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for prohibition of ownership; and, in sentencing, providing for animal abuse registry.

What is the status of SB1311?

Passed one chamber as of October 7, 2026. Latest action: Referred to JUDICIARY, Oct. 7, 2026 (October 7, 2026).

Who sponsored SB1311?

Daniel Laughlin (R, 49), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB1311?

On the Pennsylvania Legislature website: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb1311