Federal Working Animal Protection Act
Legislative Progress
Plain English Summary
AI-generatedFederal Working Animal Protection Act – Plain English Summary
The Federal Working Animal Protection Act is a bill focused on protecting animals that serve in official government or law enforcement capacities — such as police dogs (K-9s), horses used by mounted patrol units, and other animals employed by federal, state, or local agencies. While no official description was provided, based on the bill's title and legislative context, it likely establishes or strengthens legal protections for these working animals, potentially including harsher penalties for harming, interfering with, or killing animals that are on duty in an official capacity.
The bill would most directly affect law enforcement agencies, military units, and other government bodies that use working animals, as well as anyone who might interact with or harm such animals. For the animals themselves, the legislation would likely mean stronger legal standing and clearer protections under federal law. For the agencies that rely on these animals, it could mean clearer guidelines about their animals' legal status and the consequences for those who harm them.
The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 228 to 190 and has been sent to the Senate, where it was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. That committee will decide whether to advance the bill for a full Senate vote. It is important to note that because no official bill text or description was provided, some details in this summary are based on the bill's title and legislative history. Readers are encouraged to consult the full bill text at Congress.gov for complete and precise information.
This summary is AI-generated for informational purposes. Always refer to the official bill text for legal accuracy.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
March 19, 2026
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Legislative History
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115. (consideration: CR H2600-2606)
Mar 19, 2026Rule 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, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4638.
Mar 19, 2026The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Mar 19, 2026Passed/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, 2026On 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, 2026Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mar 19, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Mar 19, 2026Rule H. Res. 1115 passed House.
Mar 17, 2026Rules 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.
Mar 16, 2026Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-407.
Dec 12, 2025Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-407.
Dec 12, 2025Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 355.
Dec 12, 2025Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 18 - 12.
Nov 20, 2025Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Nov 20, 2025Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Nov 18, 2025Introduced in House
Jul 23, 2025Introduced in House
Jul 23, 2025Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Jul 23, 2025