Relating to public contact with dangerous wild animals, and making penalties applicable

This bill relates to public contact with dangerous wild animals. The bill provides that notwithstanding any provision of law, a person shall not allow any member of the public to come in direct contact with a dangerous wild animal. The bill defines “direct contact” as physical contact or proximity where physical contact is possible, including but not limited to any proximity without a permanent barrier designed to prevent physical contact between the public and a dangerous wild animal. The bill defines “member of the public” as a person not otherwise authorized to be in direct contact with a dangerous wild animal. 14 is an aggravated misdemeanor. An aggravated misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than two years and a fine of at least $855 but not more than $8,540. The bill adds sharks that can grow to more than inches in length or that have a documented history of biting humans to the definition of “dangerous wild animal”.