The General Assembly’s Public Safety and Security Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to approve “Broko's bill,” which would ensure restitution is made to the owner of a police dog killed or injured in the line of duty.

Under the proposal, anyone convicted of intentionally injuring a police dog would be required to pay restitution to “the law enforcement unit, entity or individual” that owns the dog.

The bill is named in honor of state police K9 Broko who was killed in the line of duty in Pawcatuck in December. The law ensures restitution is provided to municipalities that train K-9 officers, rather than being directed to the courts as is now the case.

Sen. Heather Somers, R-Groton, and Rep. Greg Howard, R-Stonington, are among supporters of the bill.

“Broko's tragic death is a stark reminder of the risks our officers face daily,” Howard said in a statement. “We must stand united in supporting both our human and animal officers who are trained to protect us.”