Loading…
H.R. 4638119th CongressPassed one chamberLatest action Mar 19, 2026Decoded by AI · checked against the record
Official title: Federal Working Animal Protection Act
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govThe plain-language version leads. The official text is always the reference.
Non-citizens convicted of or admitting to harming police animals could be denied entry or deported under this bill.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
The BOWOW Act adds an immigration penalty for harming official working animals, such as police dogs or horses, on top of the existing federal crime. Non-citizens convicted of, or who admit to, this crime can be denied U.S. entry or deported if already living in the country. This applies to visa applicants, green card holders, and other non-citizens, regardless of immigration status.
Affects non-citizens, including green card holders and visa applicants, convicted of or admitting to harming working animals used in law enforcement. Does not affect U.S. citizens, since immigration law does not apply to them.
The change means an existing criminal offense would now also carry immigration consequences, adding deportation or inadmissibility risk for affected non-citizens.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it. Read the official bill on Congress.gov
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.