Rep. Aaron Bean and K9s on the Capitol lawn. (Office of Rep. Aaron Bean)
The bill, announced late Tuesday at a ceremony outside the Capitol, implements sentences as high as 15 years – and is named for Marion County, Florida, Sheriff’s Deputy K9 Leo, who was killed in the line of duty.
In February, Leo and his handler responded to a report of battery-by-strangulation at a home in Silver Springs, outside Ocala.
When Leo charged the armed suspect, he was shot and died days later. The suspect was killed by return fire from human officers.
"Leo did exactly what he was trained to do, and that is to fearlessly defend and protect those deputies – to charge directly at danger," Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods told the Ocala News at the time.
Leo’s handler, Sgt. Justin Tortora, joined Bean and others on Tuesday, calling the K9 "more than a partner – he was family."
"By supporting this bill, we can guarantee that federal working K9s receive the urgent care they deserve and help prevent more handlers from experiencing the heartbreak of losing their partners in the line of duty," Tortora told Fox News Digital.
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Rep. Aaron Bean addresses K9 officers at the Capitol. (Office of Rep. Aaron Bean)
Debbie Johnson, founder of K9s United, which supports and advocates for police animals, celebrated the bill, calling its introduction a "defining moment in the fight to protect federal working K9s who defend our nation every day."
"[This] is the result of years of tireless advocacy and we are proud to carry this mission forward. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Bean for standing with us to honor and protect our nation’s four-legged heroes," she said.
Charles Creitz is a reporter for Fox News Digital.
He joined Fox News in 2013 as a writer and production assistant.
Charles covers media, politics and culture for Fox News Digital.
Charles is a Pennsylvania native and graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism. Story tips can be sent to charles.creitz@fox.com.
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