OUR 2023 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
For nearly fifty years, the Texas Humane Legislation Network has advanced mainstream legislation preventing animal cruelty. We do this by continually researching issues and engaging with constituents, stakeholders, and elected officials. Our legislative priorities reflect common-sense solutions to Texas’ most pressing animal welfare issues.
TEXAS PRIORITIES
We are excited to announce our legislative priorities as we begin the 88th Texas Legislative Session.
Fix the Texas Licensed Breeders Law (SB 876 / HB 2238)
THE ISSUE: Texas law regulating large-scale cat and dog breeders (passed in 2011) is too narrow to effectively regulate the industry. The law should require all “large-scale” commercial facilities to be licensed and inspected. While the current law has successfully prevented animal cruelty at licensed facilities, exemptions in the law allow numerous large-scale breeders to go sight unseen. These unlicensed commercial facilities drive the bulk of consumer complaints and violations.
SOLUTION: The Legislature needs to amend the Texas Licensed Breeders law. Currently, only breeders with eleven or more breeding females who acknowledge selling twenty puppies or kittens in a calendar year must be licensed. First, all breeders with five or more breeding females should be licensed. Second, the proof of sales requirement should be eliminated.
The dog breeding industry includes hobby breeders who breed dogs for show or sport, and large-scale breeders who rely on puppy sales as their main source of income. Keeping four or fewer breeding adults is the commonly accepted dividing line between “hobby” breeders and “large-scale” operations. It defies common sense to define a facility breeding five females twice a year, producing on average 50-60 puppies a year, as a “hobby.” Further, according to state inspectors, proving the sale of at least twenty animals in a calendar year is nearly impossible. Pet sales are often cash transactions, and inspectors consistently encounter breeders who side-step record-keeping requirements.
Redefining who is a large-scale breeder by adjusting the number of breeding females from eleven to five and removing the sales requirement will:
- Prevent the cruelty that is currently happening at unlicensed, large-scale facilities.
- Allow the law to better monitor the industry it was designed to regulate.
- Bring Texas law into line with standards commonly used in the industry, other states, and the USDA.
Here are the THLN’s Licensed Breeder Bill Fact Sheet and Exemptions Fact Sheets.
Halting the Puppy Mill to Pet Store Pipeline (HB 870)
THE ISSUE: Current state law does not protect consumers from unethical pet stores selling commercially bred puppies and kittens with undisclosed health defects. Sick or defective pets burden the buyer with veterinary bills, and in some cases, the pets are so sick they die or must be euthanized. In addition to selling defective animals, the industry engages in predatory lending and unethical business practices to silence dissatisfied customers.
Further, these animals pose a public health risk. Puppies sold in pet stores are almost exclusively sourced from large-scale, disease-infested facilities in the Midwest. Texans buying puppies from these sources unwittingly expose themselves to illnesses such as giardia and antibiotic-resistant campylobacter, a deadly bacterial infection.
Against this backdrop, Texas ranks No. 1 in the country for euthanizing homeless pets. Over 61,000 homeless pets were euthanized in Texas in 2021. While taxpayer-supported municipal shelters and donation-supported nonprofits struggle heroically to vaccinate, sterilize, and rehome as many pets as possible, out-of-state puppy millers and retailers profit from the shipment of thousands of unvaccinated, unaltered animals to Texas.
SOLUTION: Pass HB 870, statewide humane pet store law. A humane pet store law would require Texas retail pet stores to source the cats and dogs they sell from shelters and rescue groups, protecting both animals and consumers. This policy, previously filed as HB 1818, had tremendous success before it died in the final hours of the 87th Texas Legislative Session.
Several Texas cities have already switched to this model: Austin, Bryan, College Station, Dallas, El Paso, Euless, Fort Worth, Houston, New Braunfels, Pasadena, San Antonio, Sherman, The Colony, and Waco. While those ordinances protect millions of folks in more prominent locales, the vast majority of Texans do not live in those jurisdictions. Texas needs a statewide humane pet store law.
THLN prioritizes halting the puppy mill pipeline at both the local and state levels.
| 1 | Austin | Section 3-2-3 | TX | 2010 |
| 2 | El Paso | Section 7.14.020 | TX | 2010 |
| 3 | Fort Worth | Ordinance 2018 | TX | 2018 |
| 4 | The Colony | Ordinance 2387 | TX | 2020 |
| 5 | Waco | Ordinance 2020 | TX | 2020 |
| 6 | San Antonio | Ordinance 2020 | TX | 2020 |
| 7 | Euless | Ordinance 2276 | TX | 2021 |
| 8 | College Station | Ord. 2021-4266 | TX | 2021 |
| 9 | Sherman | Ordinance No. 6416 | TX | 2021 |
| 10 | Houston | Ordinance No. 2022-44 | TX | 2022 |
| 11 | Bryan | Ordinance No. | TX | 2022 |
| 12 | Dallas | Ordinance No. | TX | 2022 |
| 13 | Pasadena | Ordinance | TX | 2022 |
| 14 | New Braunfels | Ordinance | TX | 2022 |
| 15 | Corpus Christi | Ordinance | TX | 2023 |
| 16 | San Marcos | Ordinance No. 2023-96 | TX | 2023 |
| 17 | Wylie | Ordinance No. 2023-10 | TX | 2023 |
Federal Legislative Priorities
The Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act – ACE Act (HR 1016)
THE ISSUE: U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Justice Department, and National Sheriffs’ Association have long recognized the greatest predictor a person will commit interpersonal violence is a history of cruelty to animals. For this reason, in 2016 the FBI created a category for crimes against animals and began tracking those incidents similar to how they track other crimes.
Yet there is no coordinated federal effort to ensure enforcement of animal protection laws and track the best methods for interrupting the long-understood pattern of escalated violence.
SOLUTION: The Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act would add a section to the US Department of Justice (DOJ) dedicated to prosecuting offenders who commit crimes against animals. Doing so would make animal cruelty prosecutions a higher priority and bring greater efficiency and consistency to enforcement efforts.
We can all agree it’s good news over the last several years significant federal anti-cruelty laws have passed, including stiffer penalties for animal fighting and torture, and assistance to domestic violence victims with pets.
The not-so-good-news is that knowledge, implementation of, and enforcement of those laws are siloed within various federal departments and agencies. To ensure federal laws protecting animals – including laws protecting companion animals, wildlife, and animals used in entertainment - are adequately enforced, the federal government needs a team at the DOJ specifically trained to prosecute animal cruelty cases.
The Safeguard American Food Exports - SAFE Act of 2021 (HR 3355)
THE ISSUE: American horses are inhumanely shipped to Canada and Mexico, where they are brutally slaughtered for human consumption.
While it is illegal to slaughter horses for human consumption in the U.S., “kill buyers” transport them abroad for that purpose. Aside from the barbaric cruelty inflicted on horses during slaughter, cross-country shipment causes extreme suffering. Loaded into cattle trucks and forced to travel for days without food, water, or rest causes dehydration, injuries, and even death. Public health is also at risk: horses are routinely given drugs dangerous to humans. Eating horse meat contaminated by those substances poses serious health risks.
THE SOLUTION: Pass the Safeguard American Food Exports Act – known as the SAFE Act HR 3355. The act would prohibit the transport of horses (or other equines) for slaughter. Tens of thousands of horses, including working horses, companion horses, and most especially, “spent” racehorses, would be spared the horrors of export and dismemberment abroad.
Though each reform above would be a significant win, combining said measures would mean a sea change for animal welfare in Texas.
Any questions on THLN’s 2023 Legislative Priorities?
Please contact Stacy Sutton Kerby, Director of Government Relations, [email protected]
88th Legislative Session
Animal Bills followed by THLN
PLEASE NOTE: BILL INFORMATION CHANGES OFTEN DUE TO AMENDMENT(S) AND/OR REVISION(S) AS IT MOVES THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS.
HOUSE BILLS
BILL: HB 30 - Moody, District 78
Relating to access to certain law enforcement, corrections, and prosecutorial records under the public information law (Videos of dog shootings by law enforcement officers not required to be made accessible to the public). 2/23: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/12: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, TESTIMONY TAKEN, RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/27 – CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; 5/1 – COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 5/2 – COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS, CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 5/4 – PLACED ON MAJOR STATE CALENDAR – READ 2ND TIME, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT, RECORD VOTE, STATEMENT OF VOTE RECORDED IN JOURNAL; 5/5 – READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, REPORT ENGROSSED; 5/8: RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 5/10 – READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/18 – POSTING RULE SUSPENDED; 5/19 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE; 5/21 – REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED; 5/22 – PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR . . . READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, REMARKS ORDERED PRINTED, SENATE PASSAGE AS AMENDED REPORTED, SENATE AMENDMENTS DISTRIBUTED, SENATE AMENDMENTS ANALYSIS DISTRIBUTED;
BILL: HB 66 - Talarico, District 52
Relating to the regulation of kennels; creating a criminal offense (requires fire protection sprinklers at some shelters). 2/23: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 80 - Gervin-Hawkins, District 120
Relating to notarized affidavit requesting municipal animal control authority to manage dangerous dogs and aggressive dogs in municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction (extra-territorial enforcement against “aggressive dogs”). 2/23: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 274 - Goodwin, District 2
Relating to the licensing and regulation of dog and cat breeders; expanding the applicability of an occupational license (breeder bill reducing number of breeding females and removing the sales requirement). DUPLICATE TO HB 2238; IDENTICAL TO SB 876 2/23: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 309 - Goodwin, District 47
Relating to a refundable adoption fee for the sterilization of dogs and cats; authorizing a fee. (Requires releasing agencies to collect adoption fees). 2/23: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 598 - Shaheen, District 66 PASSED
Relating to creating the criminal offense of possession of an animal by a person previously convicted of an offense involving animal cruelty (prohibits anyone convicted of animal cruelty from possessing an animal). 2/23: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 2/28: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN, RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 3/14: CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; 3/22: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 3/23: COMMITTEE REPORT DISTRIBUTED, SENT TO CALENDARS; PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR - READ 2ND TIME, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT; 4/19: READ 3RD TIME, POSTPONED, LAID OUT AS POSTPONED BUSINESS, AMENDED X 2, PASSED AS AMMENDED, RECORD VOTE, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 4/20: RECEIVED LETTER FROM THE HOUSE; 4/25: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/2 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE; 5/3 – REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENTS, RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED; 5/10: PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR - RULES SUSPENDED – REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS, READ 2ND TIME & PASSED TO 3RD READING . . . PASSED, RECORD VOTE, SENATE PASSAGE REPORTED, 5/11 – REPORTED ENROLLED; 5/12 – SIGNED IN THE HOUSE; 5/15 – SIGNED IN THE SENATE, SENT TO THE GOVERNOR
BILL: HB 674 - Gervin-Hawkins, District 120
Relating to the regulation of licensed dog and cat breeders (requires breeders to furnish a bill of sale with statement that the breeder is regulated by TDLR). 2/23: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 870 - Patterson, District 106
Relating to the source of dogs and cats sold by pet stores; providing a civil penalty (prohibits pet stores from selling dogs or cats that are not from an animal shelter or rescue) 3/01: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/24: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/ RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 5/5 – CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 5/8 – COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 5/9 -COMMITTEE REPORT DISTRIBUTED, COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS, CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 5/11 – PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR -
BILL: HB 978 - Ordaz, District 76
Relating to pet cruelty by a pet groomer; providing civil penalties; creating a criminal offense (creates an offense and a civil penalty for a groomer to negligently commit animal cruelty). 3/02: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 1014 - Plesa, District 70
Relating to county and municipal housing authority pet policies (requires government housing authorities to comply with dangerous dog restrictions). 3/02: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/22: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING, WITHDRAWN FROM SCHEDULE
BILL: HB 1078 - Martinez, District 39
Relating to establishment of the disaster identification system for a declared state of disaster (provides for illuminated light display on animals to identify them in a disaster). COMPANION TO SB 941 3/02: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/25 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/27 – CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, RECOMMENDED TO BE SENT TO LOCAL & CONSENT CALENDAR, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 5/3 – COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 5/4 – COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO LOCAL & CONSENT CALENDAR -
BILL: HB 1093 - Cunningham, District 127
Relating to planning and financial responsibility requirements for certain aggregate production operations; providing for the imposition of an administrative penalty (requires reclamation plans for rivers, lakes and streams to use processes designed to minimize damage to fish and wildlife habitat). 3/02: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 1159 - Anderson, District 56
Relating to county and municipal housing authority pet policies. (Requires government housing authorities to comply with applicable restrictions on dangerous dogs). IDENTICAL TO SB 349 3/02: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/22: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN, RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 3/30: CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 4/10: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED/DISTRIBUTED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 4/11: COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 4/14: CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 4/18: PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR - READ 2ND TIME, POSTPONED; 4/24: LAID OUT AS POSTPONED; 4/25: COMPANION CONSIDERED IN LIEU, LAID ON THE TABLE SUBJECT TO CALL
BILL: HB 1166 - Rosenthal, District 135
Relating to pet deposits or fees collected by landlords. (Allows landlords to collect a one-time refundable $20 pet deposit or $20 per month pet fee, but not both). 3/02: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/24: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 1179 - Ramos, District 102
Relating to informing the public about the availability of provisions in protective orders, including provisions regarding pets and other companion animals. (Requires prosecuting attorneys to provide information about the inclusion of companion animals in protective orders to anyone who applies for a protective order). 3/02: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/29: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING; 4/3: CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 4/11: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED/DISTRIBUTED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 4/12: COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 5/8 – CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 5/10 – PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR; 5/11 – READ 2ND TIME, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT; 5/12 – READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 5/15 – RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 5/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 1181 - Shaheen, District 66
Relating to restricting access to pornographic materials on certain websites and creating civil liability for certain actions that allow children to access pornographic materials. (Requires owners of internet sites to prevent children under 13 from accessing bestiality materials and makes anyone who uploads bestiality materials to internet liable for damages if child under 13 accesses material). 3/02: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/5: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/10: CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; 4/24: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 4/25: COMMITTEE REPORT DISTRIBUTED, SENT TO CALENDARS; 5/8: PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR - READ 2ND TIME, AMENDED, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT AS AMENDED, RECORD VOTE; 5/9 – READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, REPORT ENGROSSED; 5/10 – RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 5/11: READ AND REFFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/15: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE; 5/16 – CO-SPONSOR AUTHORIZED, 5/17 – REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED, RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED; 5/19 – PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR – RULES SUSPENDED – REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS . . . AMENDED . . . READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, SENATE PASSAGE AS AMENDED, REPORTED; 5/20 – SENATE AMENDMENTS ANALYSIS DISTRIBUTED;
BILL: HB 1191 - Cain, District 128
Relating to regulation of raising or keeping six or fewer chickens by a political subdivision or property owners’ association. (Requires cities and HOA’s to allow residents to keep up to six chickens). 3/02: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/4 – CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, RECOMMENDED TO BE SENT TO LOCAL & CONSENT, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; 5/8 – COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, REPORT DISTRIBUTED, COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO LOCAL & CONSENT CALENDAR; 5/10 – CONSIDERED IN LOCAL & CONSENT CALENDARS; 5/12 – PLACED ON LOCAL, CONSENT & RES. CALENDAR –READ 2ND TIME, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT, READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 5/15 – RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 5/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE;
BILL: HB 1203 - Ordaz Perez, District 76
Relating to the prosecution of the offense of cruelty to non-livestock animals. (Provides that animal cruelty can be committed by a person who acts with criminal negligence). 3/03: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/14: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – WITHDRAWN FROM SCHEDULE; 4/25 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 5/2 – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; 5/8 – COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 5/9 -COMMITTEE REPORT DISTRIBUTED, COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS;
BILL: HB 1335 - Vasut, District 25
Relating to a defense to prosecution for the offense of cruelty to non-livestock animals under certain circumstances. (Makes trap/neuter/release a defense to cruelty by abandonment). 3/03: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 1348 - Stucky, District 64
Relating to the authority of a municipality to regulate veterinarians. (Prohibits cities from regulating veterinarians). 3/03: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/08: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 3/15: CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 3/16: CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, VOTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 3/22: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 3/23: COMMITTEE REPORT DISTRIBUTED, SENT TO CALENDARS; 5/8: PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR – READ 2ND TIME, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT, RECORD VOTE, STATEMENT OF VOTE RECORDED IN JOURNAL; 5/9 – READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, REPORT ENGROSSED; 5/10 – RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 5/11: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 1402 - Moody, District 78
Relating to the criminal penalties for certain criminal offenses. (Changes state jail felonies to fourth degree felonies punishable by prison instead of jail). 3/03: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 1458 - Rosenthal, District 135
Relating to intake and disposition records of animal shelters and releasing agencies. (Requires animal shelters and humane organizations to keep detailed intake and disposition records of animals). 3/03: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 1521 - Ordaz Perez, District 76
Relating to transporting dogs in open truck or trailer beds in certain counties. (Prohibits uncrated dogs in open pickup truck beds or flatbed trailers at speeds over 30mph in counties over 500,000). 3/03: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/22: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 3/29: CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, RECOMMENDED TO BE SENT TO LOCAL & CONSENT, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; 4/5: CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, VOTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; 4/14: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 4/16: COMMITTEE REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 4/17: COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS
BILL: HB 1560 - Holland, District 33
Relating to the regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. COMPANION TO SB 1414 3/03: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/29: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING; 3/29: CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING - COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 1653 - Campos, District 19
Relating to an attack by a dangerous dog; increasing a criminal penalty. (Upon second conviction of owning dangerous dog that made an unprovoked attack, owner shall be guilty of a Class B. misdemeanor). 3/07: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/25: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - WITHDRAWN FROM SCHEDULE
BILL: HB 1750 - Burns, District 58 PASSED
Relating to the applicability of certain city requirements to agricultural operations. (A “right to farm” bill that prohibits cities from regulating livestock and poultry inside the city limits unless it is a health hazard for people in the immediate vicinity; also prohibits cities from regulating the tethering of dogs that protect livestock). 3/07: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/15: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 3/16: CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; 3/22: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 3/23: COMMITTEE REPORT DISTRIBUTED, SENT TO CALENDARS; 3/23: COMMITTEE REPORT DISTRIBUTED AND SENT TO CALENDARS; 4/5: CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 4/10: PLACED ON MAJOR STATE CALENDARS - READ 2ND TIME, AMENDED, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT AS AMENDED; 4/11: READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE; 4/11: RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 4/20: READ AND REFFERED TO COMMITTEE; 5/1 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE, CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE; 5/3 – REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENTS, RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED; 5/15 – PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR – CO-SPONSOR AUTHORIZED . . . . PASSED, RECORD VOTE; 5/16: SENATE PASSAGE REPORTED, REPORTED ENROLLED; 5/17: SIGNED IN THE HOUSE, SIGNED IN THE SENATE; 5/18: SENT TO THE GOVERNOR
BILL: HB 2026 - Darby, District 72
Relating to the Rural Veterinarian Incentive Program. (Allows veterinary students at colleges outside Texas to participate in the Rural Veterinarian Incentive Program). IDENTICAL TO SB 1590 3/08: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/27: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/17: CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED, COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, COMMITTEE REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 4/18: COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 4/27 – CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 5/1 – PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR; 5/1 – READ 2ND TIME, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT, RECORD VOTE, STATEMENT OF VOTE RECORDED IN JOURNAL; 5/2 – READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 5/3 – RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 5/4 – READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/8 – CONSIDERED BY SUBCOMMITTEE, REPORTED FROM S/C WITH NO RECOMMENDATION; 5/10 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, EFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 5/11 – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENTS; 5/15 – COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED; 5/16 – PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR - RULES SUSPENDED . . . RECORD VOTE; 5/18 – RULES SUSPENDED – REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS, READ 2ND TIME . . . . READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE; 5/19 – SENATE PASSAGE AS AMENDED REPORTED, SENATE AMENDMENTS DISTRIBUTED, ANALYSIS DISTRIBUTED; 5/23 – HOUSE REFUSES TO CONCUR IN SENATE AMENDMENTS, HOUSE REQUESTS CONFERENCE COMMITTEE, HOUSE APPOINTS CONFEREES;
BILL: HB 2063 - Talarico, District 52 PASSED
Relating to informed consent obtained before a dog or cat may be boarded at a kennel and left unattended when employees are not present, creating a criminal offense. (Requires kennels to give written notice if a dog or cat will be unattended without an employee present and written consent of animal owner. Class B misdemeanor if this is not done and an animal is injured or dies). 3/08: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/3 SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/5: CONSIDERED IN FORMAL HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, RECOMMENDED TO BE SENT TO LOCAL & CONSENT, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; 4/14: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 4/17: COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO LOCAL & CONSENT CALENDARS; 4/25: CONSIDERED IN LOCAL & CONSENT CALENDARS; 4/28: PLACED ON LOCAL, CONSENT & RES. CALENDAR - READ 2ND TIME, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT, READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, STATEMENT OF VOTE RECORDED IN JOURNAL, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 5/1 – RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 5/2 – READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/8 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING; 5/8 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE, CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE; 5/9 – REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENTS, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED; 5/11 – PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR; 5/15 - CO-AUTHOR AUTHORIZED . . . PASSED, RECORD VOTE; 5/16: SENATE PASSAGE REPORTED, REPORTED ENROLLED; 5/17: SIGNED IN THE HOUSE, SIGNED IN THE SENATE; 5/18: SENT TO THE GOVERNOR
BILL: HB 2127 - Burrows, District 83
Relating to state preemption of certain municipal and county regulation. 3/09: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/15: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/3: CONSIDERED IN FORMAL HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; 4/13: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED/ DISTRIBUTED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 4/14: COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 4/18: PLACED ON MAJOR STATE CALENDAR - READ 2ND TIME, AMENDMENT FAILS OF ADOPTION, (32 TIMES), RECORD VOTE, PONT OF ORDER OVERRULED, POINT OF ORDER WITHDRAWN, AMENDED, RECORD VOTE, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT AS AMENDED, RECORD VOTE, RECORDED IN JOURNAL; 4/19: READ 3RD TIME, RECORD VOTE, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 4/19: RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 4/20: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/4 – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE; 5/5 – REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENTS, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED; 5/9: PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR – CO-SPONSOR AUTHORIZED, RULES SUSPENDED – REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS . . . AMENDMENT(S) OFFERED X 8, AMENDED X 3. . . AMENDMENT FAILS OF ADOPTION X 6, RECORD VOTE, PASSED TO 3RD READING AS AMENDED, RECORD VOTE; 5/16 – RULES SUSPENDED – REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS . . . . PASSED; 5/18 – SENATE PASSAGE AS AMENDED REPORTED, SENATE AMENDMENTS DISTRIBUTED, ANALYSIS DISTRIBUTED; 5/19 – POINT OF ORDER WITHDRAWN . . . TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT(S); 5/20 – REPORTED ENROLLED; 5/22 – SIGNED IN THE HOUSE, SIGNED IN THE SENATE;
BILL: HB 2138 - Kacal, District 12
Relating to the sale of charitable raffle tickets by certain nonprofit wildlife conservation associations. (Nonprofit wildlife conservation organizations may use their internet sites to sell raffle tickets to their supporters). COMPANION TO SB 1582 3/09: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/15: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 3/22: CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 3/29: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED AND DISTRIBUTED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 3/30: COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 4/10: CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 4/12: PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR - READ 2ND TIME, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT; 4/13: READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 4/13: RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 5/2: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/11 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 5/15 – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE; 5/16 – REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENTS, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED; 5/17 – PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR; 5/18 - RULES SUSPENDED – REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS, READ 2ND TIME . . . . READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE; 5/22 – NOT AGAIN PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR; 5/23 – PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR -
BILL: HB 2238 - Buckley, District 54
Relating to the licensing and regulation of dog and cat breeders; expanding the applicability of an occupational license. (Breeder bill reducing number of breeding females). COMPANION TO SB 876; DUPLICATE TO HB 274 3/09: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/22: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING; CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/12: CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; 4/24: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 4/25: COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 5/1 – COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, REPORT DISTRIBUTED, COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS, CORRECTED COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, CORRECTED REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 5/2 – CORRECTED COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 5/5 – CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 5/8 – PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR - READ 2ND TIME, POSTPONED; 5/10 – COMPANION CONSIDERED IN LIEU OF, LAID ON THE TABLE SUBJECT TO CALL;
BILL: HB 2271 - Kacal, District 12
Relating to the protection of aquaculture operations. (Adds aquaculture to the list of agricultural operations that are entitled to protections). 3/09: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/15: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING
BILL: HB 2308 - Ashby, District 72 | Bailes, District 18 PASSED
Relating to nuisance actions and other actions against agricultural operations. (Makes it more difficult for a nuisance claim to be filed against an agricultural operation). 3/09: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/29: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/3: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 4/4: COMMITTEE REPORT DISTRIBUTED AND SENT TO CALENDARS; 4/5: CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 4/10: PLACED ON MAJOR STATE CALENDAR - READ 2ND TIME, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT; 4/11: READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE; 4/11: RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 4/20: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/1 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE, CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE; 5/2 – REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S), COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED, PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR; 5/4 – CO-AUTHOR SPONSORED . . . AMENDED(S) OFFERED, OFFERED . . . PASSED, RECORD VOTE, SENATE PASSAGE AS AMENDED REPORTED; 5/5 – SENATE AMENDMENTS DISTRIBUTED AND ANALYSIS DISTRIBUTED; 5/8 – HOUSE CONCURS IN SENATE AMENDMENT(S), RECORD VOTE, TEXT OF SENATE AMENDMENT(S); 5/9 – REPORTED ENROLLED, SIGNED IN THE HOUSE; 5/10 – SIGNED IN THE SENATE; 5/11 – SENT TO THE GOVERNOR; 5/23: SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR
BILL: HB 2550 - Shaheen, District 66
Relating to the elimination of certain tax proceeds deposited to and the allocation of the horse industry escrowed purse account. (Relates to the elimination of certain tax proceeds deposited to and the allocation of the horse industry escrowed purse account). 3/13: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 2699 - Guillen, District 31
Relating to the taking of wildlife by an employee of the Parks and Wildlife Department or by a person or agent of the person on the person's property. (Allows people to kill wildlife on their property if they have written permission from TDPW and allows TDPW employees to humanely shoot injured wildlife on a public road). 3/13: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 2772 - Schofield, District 132
Relating to the recovery of attorney's fees in cases involving veterinary malpractice or negligence. (Eliminates the existing right of horse/livestock owners to recover attorney’s fees when they prevail in veterinary malpractice cases). 3/13: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE;
BILL: HB 2947 - Cain, District 128
Relating to the definition of agricultural operations. (Adds the commercial sales of animals to the list of “agricultural operations” that are protected from lawsuits alleging that they are a nuisance). 3/14: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/4 – CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, RECOMMENDED TO BE SENT TO LOCAL & CONSENT, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 5/6 – COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 5/7 – REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 5/8 -COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO LOCAL & CONSENT CALENDAR; 5/10 – CONSIDERED IN LOCAL & CONSENT CALENDARS; 5/12 – PLACED ON LOCAL, CONSENT & RES. CALENDAR - READ 2ND TIME, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT, READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 5/15 – RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 5/16 – READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/19 – POSTING RULE SUSPENDED, CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENTS; COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED; 5/22 – PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR, RULES SUSPENDED – REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS . . . PASSED, RECORD VOTE, SENATE PASSAGE REPORTED; 5/23 – REPORTED ENROLLED;
BILL: HB 2951 - Buckley, District 54
Relating to the establishment of a service dog pilot program for certain veterans. (Establishes a service dog pilot program for injured veterans). 3/14: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/13: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/20: CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE; 4/26 – COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, REPORT DISTRIBUTED, COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 5/3 – CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 5/5 – PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR – READ 2ND TIME, AMENDED, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT AS AMENDED; 5/6 – READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE; 5/7: REPORTED ENGROSSED; 5/8: RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 5/10 – READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/16 - SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENTS, RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED; 5/18 – PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR; 5/21: CO-SPONSOR AUTHORIZED; 5/22 – CO-SPONSOR AUTHORIZED, RULES SUSPENDED – REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS. . . READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, SENATE PASSAGE REPORTED; 5/23 – REPORTED ENROLLED;
BILL: HB 3049 - Anderson, District 56
Relating to the dismissal of a baseless or unfounded complaint filed with the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. COMPANION TO SB 1523 3/14: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/22: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE, 3/27: CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, COMMITTE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUED; 4/11: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED/DISTRIBUTED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 4/12: COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 4/20: CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 4/26: PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR - COMPANION CONSIDERED IN LIEU OF, LAID ON THE TABLE SUBJECT TO CALL
BILL: HB 3065 - Bailes, District 18 PASSED
Relating to the taking of wildlife by an employee of the Parks and Wildlife Department or by a person or agent of the person on the person's property. (An employee of TDPW may shoot injured or apparently diseased wildlife on a public road, and a person may kill wildlife on his own property if he has written permission from TDPW). 3/14: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/30: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING; 4/6: CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, RECOMMENDED TO BE SENT TO LOCAL & CONSENT, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; 4/18: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED/DISTRIBUTED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 4/18: COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO LOCAL & CONSENT CALENDARS; 4/25: CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 4/28: PLACED ON LOCAL, CONSENT AND RES. CALENDARS - READ 2ND TIME, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT, READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, STATEMENT OF VOTE RECORDED IN JOURNAL, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 5/1 – RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 5/2 – READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/4 – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENTS, RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR; 5/5 – COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED; 5/10 – PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR – RULES SUSPENDED – REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS . . . VOTE RECORDED IN JOURNAL . . . PASSED, RECORD VOTE, SENATE PASSAGE REPORTED; 5/11 – REPORTED ENROLLED; 5/12 – SIGNED IN THE HOUSE; 5/15 – SIGNED IN THE SENATE, SENT TO THE GOVERNOR;
BILL: HB 3081 - Harrison, District 10
Relating to the deregulation of certain activities and occupations. (Repels the Texas License Breeder law). 3/14: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 3419 - Cain, District 128
Relating to the transportation of horse meat. (Makes it more difficult to prosecute a person accused of selling horsemeat for human consumption). 3/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/5: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 4/20: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED/DISTRIBUTED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 4/24: COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 4/26 – CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 4/28 – PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR; 5/1 – READ 2ND TIME, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT; 5/2 – READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 5/3 – RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 5/5 – READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/19 – POSTING RULE SUSPENDED, CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENTS, RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED; 5/24 – PLACED ON LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR -
BILL: HB 3439 - Johnson, Ann District
Relating to veterinary services performed on certain animals in the care of a releasing agency. (Allows veterinarians at city shelters and humane organizations to perform non-emergency vet services (in addition to sterilizations) on animals owned for people with low income). IDENTICAL TO SB 1673 3/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/29: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING; 3/29: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/14: CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 4/25: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, REPORT DISTRIBUTED, COMM. REPORT SENT TO LOCAL & CONSENT CALENDAR; 4/28 – CONSIDERED IN LOCAL & CONSENT CALENDARS; 5/2 – PLACED ON LOCAL, CONSENT, AND RES. CALENDAR – WITHDRAWN FROM CALENDAR (CONTESTED), RETURNED TO LOCAL AND CONSENT CALENDARS COMMITTEE, CONSIDERED IN LOCAL & CONSENT CALENDARS, TRANSFERRED TO CALENDARS COMMITTEE, COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS, CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 5/4 – PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR – READ 2ND TIME, AMENDED X 2, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT AS AMENDED, RECORD VOTE; 5/5 - READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE; REPORTED ENGROSSED; 5/8 – RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 5/9 -READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/19 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING -
BILL: HB 3482 - Turner, District 101
Relating to the possession of dangerous wild animals and live nonindigenous snakes in certain counties and municipalities; increasing criminal penalties. (An animal may not be registered under the Dangerous Wild Animal Act if the animal violates a city or county ordinance. The criminal penalties for violations are increased. Adds new rules for possession of venomous snakes). 3/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/30: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/13: CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; 4/24: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 4/25: COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS;
BILL: HB 3489 - Gervin-Hawkins, District 120
Relating to the use of an unmanned aircraft to locate and retrieve wounded or killed wildlife. (Drones may be used to locate and retrieve wounded or killed wildlife). 3/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE;
BILL: HB 3563 - Cain, District 128
Relating to the source of dogs and cats sold by pet stores; providing a civil penalty. (Allows retail pet stores to source animals from “qualified breeders”. This will nullify all city ordinances that require pet stores to source their animals from shelters and humane organizations). 3/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/24: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE;
BILL: HB 3570 - Schatzline, District 93
Relating to restricting access to sexual material harmful to minors on an Internet website. 3/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/10: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/13: CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; 4/25 COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 4/25: COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 5/9 – CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 5/11 – PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR -
BILL: HB 3585 - Leo-Wilson, District 23
Relating to restricting access to sexual material harmful to minors on an Internet website. (Requires owners of internet sites to prevent children under 13 from accessing bestiality materials and makes anyone who uploads bestiality materials to the internet liable for damages if a child under 13 accesses it). COMPANION TO SB 2164 AND HB 3570 3/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 3587 - Morales, Christina, District 145
Relating to the required sterilization of adult animals seized and placed in the custody of a releasing agency more than once. (An animal seized a second time for running at large, must be sterilized). 3/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 3660 - Vasut, District 25
Relating to a defense to prosecution for the offense of cruelty to non-livestock animals under certain circumstances. (TNR is a defense to cruelty by abandonment). 3/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/4: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/11: CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL AND CONSENT CALENDARS, REPORT FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENTS; 4/20: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED/DISTRIBUTED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 4/25: CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 4/28: PLACED ON LOCAL, CONSENT AND RES. CALENDARS - READ 2ND TIME, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT, READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, STATEMENT OF VOTE RECORDED IN JOURNAL, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 5/1 – RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 5/2 – READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/16 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE; 5/17 – REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENTS, RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED; 5/18 – PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR – RULES SUSPENDED – REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS. . .. READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE; 5/19 – SENATE PASSAGE REPORTED, REPORTED ENROLLED; 5/22 – SIGNED IN THE HOUSE; 5/23 – SIGNED IN THE SENATE
BILL: HB 3756 - Flores, District 51
Relating to civil liability for removing certain individuals or animals from a motor vehicle. (Limits civil liability of a person who rescues a dog or cat from a locked vehicle to prevent imminent harm to the animal). 3/20: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/29: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/3: CONSIDERED IN FORMAL HEARING, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 4/13: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED/DISTRIBUTED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 4/20: CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 4/26: PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR – READ 2ND TIME, AMENDED, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT AS AMENDED, RECORD VOTE, STATEMENT OF VOTE RECORDED IN JOURNAL; 4/27 – READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, STATEMENT OF VOTE RECORDED IN JOURNAL, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 5/1 – RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE, READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE;
BILL: HB 3854 - Perez, District 144
Relating to creating the criminal offense of possession of an animal by a person convicted of multiple offenses involving animal cruelty and to conditions of punishment and community supervision for defendants convicted of certain criminal offenses involving animals. (A person who has been twice convicted of animal cruelty commits an offense if he possesses an animal or lives in a household where an animal is present). 3/20: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/11: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/17: CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 4/25: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 4/26: COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS
BILL: HB 4069 - Meyer, District 108
Relating to the required disclosure of prices by a veterinarian before providing emergency treatment to an ill or injured animal. (The TBVME shall adopt rules for veterinarians to disclose estimated costs of emergency treatment). 3/20: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/5: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/1\4: CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 4/25: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 4/26 – COMMITTEE REPORT SEND TO CALENDARS; 5/8 – CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 5/10 – PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR; 5/11 – READ 2ND TIME, AMENDED, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT AS AMENDED; 5/12 – READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 5/15 – RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 5/16 – READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/19 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENTS, RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR - COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED; 5/23 – PLACED ON LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR; 5/23 – PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR – RULES SUSPENDED – REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS . . . PASSED . . . SENATE PASSAGE REPORTED;
BILL: HB 4164 - Cortez, District 117
Relating to the improper use and treatment of an assistance animal or service animal; increasing a criminal penalty. (Makes it a crime to falsely represent that an animal is a specially trained service animal). 3/21: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/11: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/17: CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 4/26 – COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, REPORT DISTRIBUTED, COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 5/8 – CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 5/10 – PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR – 5/11 – READ 2ND TIME, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT; 5/12 - READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 5/15 – RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 5/15 – READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/19 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENTS, RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR - COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED, CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S), RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED; 5/22 - PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR; 5/23 - PLACED ON LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR;
BILL: HB 4197 - Flores, District 51
Relating to the adoption of cats and dogs previously used for research. (Dogs and cats retired from research shall be offered for adoption through nonprofit animal organizations). 3/21: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 4270 - Smithee, District 86
Relating to the classification of and regulation of the taking of aoudad sheep as game animals. (Includes Aoudad Sheep under the definition of game animals). 3/21: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 4280 - Vasut, District 25
Relating to the sale of dogs or cats for a for-profit business. (Preemption bill related to pet store sales of dogs and cats). 3/21: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 4495 - Gerdes, District 17
Relating to the authority of certain counties to order the microchipping of dogs; providing a civil penalty. (Dog microchipping for counties of less than 50K). COMPANION TO SB 1962 3/21: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/26: SCHEDULED FOR A PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE;
BILL: HB 4692 - Morrison, District 30
Relating to the offense of selling or purchasing shark fins or products containing shark fin. (Prohibits businesses from selling shark steak that contains shark fin and requires the fins to be immediately destroyed and discarded; creates an offense to buy, sell or possess shark fins). COMPANION TO SB 1839 3/22: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/13: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/14 – CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; 4/20 – COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, COMMITTEE REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 4/20 – COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, COMMITTEE REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 4/24 – COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 4/27 – CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 5/1 – PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR – READ 2ND TIME, POSTPONED; 5/5 – COMPANION CONSIDERED IN LIEU OF, LAID ON THE TABLE SUBJECT TO CALL;
BILL: HB 4759 - Campos, District 119
Relating to an attack by a dangerous dog; increasing a criminal penalty. (Animal control is required to investigate all complaints of dangerous dog; presumption that dog is dangerous if there is a serious injury; animal control must notify law enforcement; identity of complainant may not be disclosed). 3/22: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/17 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 5/1 – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; 5/6 – COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 5/7 – REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 5/8 – COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDAR, CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 5/10 – PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR – READ 2ND TIME, AMENDED, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT AS AMENDED, RECORD VOTE; 5/12 – READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 5/15 – RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 5/16 – READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/19 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - 5/21 – REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED, RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE; 5/21 – REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED, RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED; 5/22 – PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR – RULES SUSPENDED – REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS, RECORD VOTE . . . READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, SENATE PASSAGE AS AMENDED REPORTED, AMENDMENTS DISTRIBUTED, SENATE AMENDMENTS ANALYSIS DISTRIBUTED;
BILL: HB 4816 - Shaheen, District 66
Relating to the prohibited requirement of a rabies report on or quarantine of certain domesticated dogs, cats, and ferrets. (Dogs and cats not required to be quarantined for biting someone if the owner lacks probable cause to believe animal had been exposed to rabies). 3/23: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 4909 - Bernal, District 123
Relating to the reporting method in determining that a dog is dangerous. (Animal control may deem a dog dangerous if they observe “aggressive behavior;” a person who signs an affidavit reporting “aggressive behavior” of a dog has the right for their personal information to be exempt from Public Information Act requests). 3/23: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 4987 - Morrison, District 30
Relating to the sale of specialty license plates by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. 3/23: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HB 5135 - Kacal, District 12
Relating to the issuance of K9s4KIDs specialty license plates. (Authorizes K9S4KIDS license plates; funds to be used to purchase police dogs for schools). 3/24: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/19: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, RECOMMENDED TO BE SENT TO LOCAL & CONSENT, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 4/27 – COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 5/1 – COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO LOCAL & CONSENT CALENDAR; 5/3 – CONSIDERED IN LOCAL & CONSENT CALENDARS, 5/6 – PLACED ON LOCAL, CONSENT & RES. CALENDAR – READ 2ND TIME, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT, READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE; 5/6 - REPORTED ENGROSSED; 5/8 – RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 5/9 – READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/17 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENTS, RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED; 5/21 – PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR - 5/23 – PLACED ON LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR – 5/22 – RULES SUSPENDED – REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS, READ 2ND TIME . . . . THREE DAY RULE SUSPENDED, RECORD VOTE, READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, SENATE PASSAGE AS AMENDED REPORTED; 5/23 – SENATE AMENDMENTS DISTRIBUTED, AMENDMENTS ANALYSIS DISTRIBUTED;
BILL: HB 5206 - Goodwin, District 47
Relating to falsely representing that an animal is a service animal. (Creates an offense for falsely representing that an animal is a trained service animal; requires sellers of paraphernalia for emotional support animals to give notice that owner not entitled to rights of trained service animal; establishes requirements of health care practitioners before they can recommend an ESA). 3/24: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/11: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 5/3 – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED;
BILL: HJR 126 - Burns, District 58 PASSED
Proposing a constitutional amendment protecting the right to engage in farming, ranching, timber production, and wildlife management. (Joint Resolution proposing a constitutional amendment protecting the right to engage in farming, ranching, timber production, and wildlife management). 3/13: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/22: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE, 3/27: CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, COMMITTE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUED; 4/3: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 4/4: COMMITTEE REPORT DISTRIBUTED AND SENT TO CALENDARS; 4/5: CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 4/10: PLACED ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS CALENDAR - READ 2ND TIME, ADOPTED, RECORD VOTE, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 4/11: RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE; 4/20: READ AND REFFERED TO COMMITTEE; 5/1 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE, CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE; 5/2 – REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S), COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED, PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR; 5/4 - CO-AUTHOR SPONSORED . . . AMENDMENT(S) OFFERED, POINT OF ORDER, POINT OF ORDER SUSTAINED . . . PASSED, RECORD VOTE, SENATE PASSAGE REPORTED, REPORTED ENROLLED; 5/5 – SIGNED IN THE HOUSE; 5/8: SIGNED IN THE SENATE, FILED WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE
BILL: HR 295 - Meyer, District
In memory of Robert Lynn "Skip" Trimble of Dallas. (House Resolution paying tribute to Skip). 3/01: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/08: PLACED ON CONGRAT. & MEMORIAL RES. CALENDAR - LAID BEFORE THE HOUSE, ADOPTED; 3/10: REPORTED ENROLLED
SENATE BILLS
BILL: SB 149 - Springer, District 30
Relating to the authority of a municipality to regulate statewide commerce. (Prohibits cities from regulating the sale of goods unless it is a “uniquely local concern.” This would nullify city ordinances that ban sales of dogs from puppy mills). 2/15: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/14: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE
BILL: SB 285 - Eckhardt, District 14
Relating to certain proceedings or procedures involving disposition of certain contraband or abandoned or unclaimed property (Changes procedure for seizure ad forfeiture of dog fighting equipment). 2/15: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: SB 326 - Hall, District 2
Relating to the authority of a municipality or a property owners' association to regulate the raising or keeping of chickens (Cities and HOA’s must allow residents of single-family residential lots to have at least six chickens). 2/15: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/27: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING
BILL: SB 349 - Springer, District 30 PASSED
Relating to county and municipal housing authority pet policies. (Requires government housing authorities to comply with applicable restrictions on dangerous dogs). IDENTICAL TO HB 1159 2/15: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE, 3/20: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE, 3/28: CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENTS, RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED; 4/12: PLACED ON LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR – LAID BEFORE THE SENATE, READ 2ND TIME AND PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 4/12: RECEIVED FROM THE SENATE; 4/14: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/19: CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 4/24: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, REPORT DISTRIBUTED, REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 4/25: LAID OUT IN LIEU OF COMPANION, READ 2ND TIME, PASSED TO 3RD READING; 4/26 – READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, STATEMENT OF VOTE RECORDED IN JOURNAL; 4/27 – HOUSE PASSAGE REPORTED, REPORTED ENROLLED; 5/1 – SIGNED IN THE SENATE, SIGNED IN THE HOUSE, SENT TO THE GOVERNOR; 5/10: SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR, EFFECTIVELY IMMEDIATELY
BILL: SB 664 - Perry, District 28 PASSED
Relating to the labeling of analogue and cell-cultured products. (Makes it a Class A misdemeanor to sell a plant-based meat or poultry substitute without labeling it as meatless, plant-based, made from plants or similar disclaimer). 2/17: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/29: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/5: CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, 4/11: REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED, RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED; 4/20: PLACED ON LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR – LAID BEFORE THE SENATE. . . PASSED, RECORD VOTE, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 4/21: RECEIVED FROM THE SENATE; 4/24: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/26 – CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 4/27 – COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 4/28 – COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 5/1 – LAID OUT IN LIEU OF COMPANION, READ 2ND TIME, PASSED TO 3RD READING; 5/2 – READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, STATEMENT OF VOTE RECORDED IN JOURNAL; 5/3 – HOUSE PASSAGE REPORTED, REPORTED ENROLLED; 5/4 – SIGNED IN THE SENATE, SIGNED IN THE HOUSE, SENT TO THE GOVERNOR; 5/15: SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR, EFFECTIVE ON 09/01/23
BILL: SB 815 - Springer, District 30
Relating to limitation of certain liability of owners, lessees, and occupants of land in connection with livestock and agricultural land. (Limits liability of landowners for damages arising from an accident involving livestock). 3/01: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/17: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE;
BILL: SB 872 - Springer, District 30
Relating to the authorization for certain land applications and disposal of dairy waste. (Requires disposal of spoiled milk from factory farms to be regulated). IDENTICAL TO HB 1159 3/01: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: SB 876 - Flores, District 34 | Whitmire, District 15 | Co-author Hinojosa, District 20 PASSED
Relating to the licensing and regulation of dog and cat breeders; expanding the applicability of an occupational license. (Reduces the number of breeding female animals from 11 to 5 and removes the requirement that a person sell animals in order to qualify as a breeder that is subject to regulation). IDENTICAL TO HB 274 & HB 2238 3/01: CO-AUTHOR AUTHORIZED; READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/28: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING, SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/11: CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE; 4/17: REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED, RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED; 4/20: PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR; 4/24: CO-AUTHOR AUTHORIZED, RULES SUSPENDED – REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS, AMENDMENT(S) OFFERED, AMENDED, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 4/24: RECEIVED FROM THE SENATE; 4/25: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/8 – CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S), COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 5/9 – COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 5/10 – COMPANION CONSIDERED IN LIEU OF, READ 2ND TIME, AMENDED, PASSED TO 3RD READING AS AMENDED; 5/11 – READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, HOUSE PASSAGE AS AMENDED REPORTED; 5/16 – HOUSE AMENDMENTS) LAID BEFORE THE SENATE, READ, SENATE CONCURS IN HOUSE AMENDMENT(S), REPORTED ENROLLED; 5/17 – SIGNED IN THE SENATE, SIGNED IN THE HOUSE, SENT TO THE GOVERNOR;
BILL: SB 941 - LaMantia, District 27 | Sparks, District 31
Relating to establishment of the disaster identification system for a declared state of disaster. (Provides for anyone participating in the disaster identification program to attach colored illuminated displays to their animals so they can be seen by disaster relief personnel). COMPANION TO HB 1078 3/03: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: SB 1414 - Johnson, District 16 | Paxton, District 8 | Perry, District 28 | Schwertner, District 5 | Springer, District 30
Relating to the regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. (The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners must approve rules proposed by the Commission of Licensing & Regulation and TDLR regarding regulation of veterinarians). COMPANION TO HB 1560 3/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE, 3/27: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, 3/29: REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED, PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR; 4/3: RULES SUSPENDED, REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS, READ 2ND TIME AND PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT...RECORD VOTE, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 4/4: RECEIVED FROM SENATE; 4/10: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/14: CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; 5/3: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 5/4: COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 5/16 – PLACED ON MAJOR STATE CALENDAR – READ 2ND TIME, PASSED TO 3RD READING; 5/17 – READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, STATEMENT OF VOTE RECORDED IN JOURNAL, HOUSE PASSAGE AS AMENDED REPORTED;
BILL: SB 1421 - Perry | Blanco | Campbell | Flores | Gutierrez | Hall | Hancock | Hinojosa | Hughes | King | LaMantia | Middleton | Parker | Paxton | Schwertner | Sparks | Springer | West Multiple Districts
Relating to the effect of nuisance actions, other actions, and governmental requirements on certain agricultural operations. (Adds veterinary services to the list of “agricultural operations” that are protected from lawsuits alleging that they are a nuisance and restricts the ability of cities to regulate agricultural operations). 3/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE, 3/27: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE; 3/28: REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED, RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED; 4/3: PLACED ON LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR - LAID BEFORE SENATE, READ 2ND TIME AND PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT... RECORD VOTE, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 4/3: RECEIVED FROM SENATE; 4/17: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: SB 1445 - Johnson, District 16 | Paxton, District 8 | Perry, District 28 | Schwertner, District 5 | Springer, District 30
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. (The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement shall set deadlines for the completion of canine encounter training by peace officers). 3/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/4: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, VOTE TAKE IN COMMITTEE; 4/11: REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED/DISTRIBUTED; 4/17: PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR; RULES SUSPENDED, REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS, READ 2ND TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 4/18: RECEIVED FROM SENATE; 4/20: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/25: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 5/11 – CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; 5/12 - COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR; 5/15 – COMMITTEE REPORT DISTRIBUTED, SENT TO CALENDARS; 5/18 – PLACED ON MAJOR STATE CALENDAR, READ 2ND TIME . . . . PASSED TO 3RD READING; 5/19 – READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, STATEMENT OF VOTE RECORDED IN JOURNAL, HOUSE PASSAGE AS AMENDED REPORTED; 5/22 – HOUSE AMENDMENT(S) LAID BEFORE THE SENATE, READ, SENATE REFUSES TO CONCUR . . . SENATE APPOINTS CONFEREES – REPORTED;
BILL: SB 1468 - Springer, District 30
Relating to the taking of wildlife by an employee of the Parks and Wildlife Department or by a person or agent of the person on the person's property. (A TDPW employee may shoot wounded or diseased wildlife on public roads, and a property owner may kill wildlife on his property if written permission from TDPW). 3/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/24: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE
BILL: SB 1523 - Blanco, District 29 PASSED
Relating to the dismissal of a baseless or unfounded complaint filed with the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. (If the Tx. Bd. of Vet Examiners dismisses a baseless complaint against a veterinarian, it shall note in the records that the complaint was baseless). COMPANION TO HB 3049 3/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE, 3/27: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE; 3/28: REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENTS, RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED; 4/3 – PLACED ON LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR – LAID BEFORE THE SENATE, READ 2ND TIME AND PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT . . . RECORD VOTE, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 4/3 – RECEIVED FROM THE SENATE; 4/4 – READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/5 – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 4/21 – COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 4/24 – COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 4/26 – LAID OUT IN LIEU OF COMPANION, READ 2ND TIME, AMENDED, PASSED TO 3RD READING AS AMENDED; 4/27 – READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE; 5/1 – HOUSE PASSAGE AS AMENDED REPORTED; 5/4 – HOUSE AMENDMENTS LAID BEFORE THE SENATE, READ, SENATE CONCURS IN HOUSE AMENDMENT(S), RECORD VOTE, SENATE CONCURS IN HOUSE AMENDMENT(S) – REPORTED, REPORTED ENROLLED; 5/8 – SIGNED IN THE SENATE, SIGNED IN THE HOUSE, SENT TO THE GOVERNOR; 5/19 - SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR, EFFECTIVE 09/01/23.
BILL: SB 1582 - Bettencourt, District 7
Relating to the sale of charitable raffle tickets by certain nonprofit wildlife conservation associations. (A nonprofit wildlife conservation organization may use its website to sell raffle tickets to supporters of the organization). COMPANION TO HB 2138 3/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: SB 1590 - LaMantia, District 27
Relating to the Rural Veterinarian Incentive Program. (Allows veterinary students in other states to participate in the rural veterinarian incentive program). IDENTICAL TO HB 2026 3/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: SB 1673 - LaMantia, District 27
Relating to veterinary services performed on certain animals in the care of a releasing agency. (Allows veterinarians at city shelters and humane organizations to perform non-emergency vet services (in addition to sterilizations) on animals owned for people with low income). IDENTICAL TO HB 3439 3/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: SB 1682 - Zaffirini, District 21
Relating to a defense to prosecution for the offense of cruelty to non-livestock animals under certain circumstances. (TNR is a defense to cruelty by abandonment). 3/16: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: SB 1839 - Hinojosa, District 20 PASSED
Relating to the offense of selling or purchasing shark fins or products containing shark fin. (Adds penalties and cause of action to the shark finning bill). COMPANION TO HB 4692 3/20: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/13 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN IN COMMITTEE, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE; 4/17 – REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED, RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED; 4/20 – PLACED ON LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR - LAID BEFORE THE SENATE. . . PASSED, RECORD VOTE, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 4/20 – RECEIVED FROM THE SENATE; 4/21 – READ FIRST TIME AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/2 – CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 5/3 – COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 5/4 – COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 5/5 – COMPANION CONSIDERED IN LIEU F, READ 2ND TIME, PASSED TO 3RD READING; 5/6 – READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE; 5/8 – HOUSE PASSAGE REPORTED, REPORTED ENROLLED; 5/9 – SIGNED IN THE SENATE, SIGNED IN THE HOUSE, SENT TO THE GOVERNOR; 5/19 – SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR, EFFECTIVE 09/01/23.
BILL: SB 1962 - Zaffirini, District 21
Relating to the authority of certain counties to order the microchipping of dogs; providing a civil penalty. (Dog microchipping for counties of less than 50K people). IDENTICAL TO HB 4495 3/21: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: SB 1989 - Whitmire, District 15
Relating to the source of dogs and cats sold by pet stores; providing a civil penalty. (Prohibits pet stores from selling dogs or cats that are not from an animal shelter or rescue). IDENTICAL TO HB 870 3/21: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/4: CO-AUTHOR AUTHORIZED
BILL: SB 2021 - Paxton, District 8
Relating to requirements for certain Internet websites containing sexual material harmful to minors. (Prohibits internet distribution of certain sexual material to minor, including bestiality). 3/21: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/3: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/6: CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE; 4/13: REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED; 4/17: CO-AUTHOR AUTHORIZED, PLACED ON INTENT CALENDAR; 4/18: CO-AUTHOR AUTHORIZED (KOLKHORST/MIDDLETON), RULES SUSPENDED – REGULAR ORDER OF BUSINESS. . . READ 3RD TIME, PASSED, RECORD VOTE, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 4/19: RECEIVED FROM THE SENATE; 4/20: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/27: CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 5/3: COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 5/4: COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 5/21 – CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 5/23 - PLACED ON GENERAL STATE CALENDAR –
BILL: SB 2164 - Hughes, District 1
Relating to restricting access to sexual material harmful to minors on an Internet website. COMPANION TO HB 3570 & HB 3585 3/22: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTE
BILL: SB 2333 - Hughes, District 1 PASSED
Relating to rules permitting service dogs in the Capitol. (Allows service dogs to be admitted into the Capitol). 3/23 – READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 4/18 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING – CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, VOTE TAKEN IN COMMITTEE; 4/20 – PLACED ON LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR; 4/19 – REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S), RECOMMENDED FOR LOCAL & UNCONTESTED CALENDAR, COMMITTEE REPORT PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED; 4/20 – LAID BEFORE THE SENATE, READ 2ND TIME AND PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT. . . PASSED, RECORD VOTE, REPORTED ENGROSSED; 4/21 – RECEIVED FROM THE SENATE; 4/28 – READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 5/11 – SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING - CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, TESTIMONY TAKEN/REGISTRATION(S) RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, RECOMMENDED TO BE SENT TO LOCAL & CONSENT, REPORTED FAVORABLY W/O AMENDMENT(S); 5/12 – COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 5/15 – COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO LOCAL & CONSENT CALENDAR; 5/17 – CONSIDERED IN LOCAL & CONSENT CALENDAR; 5/19 – PLACED ON LOCAL, CONSENT & RES. CALENDAR – READ 2ND TIME . . . PASSED, RECORD VOTE; 5/21 – HOUSE PASSAGE REPORTED; 5/22 – REPORTED ENROLLED, SIGNED IN THE SENATE, SIGNED IN THE HOUSE; 5/23 – SENT TO THE GOVERNOR;
BILL: SR 346 - Johnson, District 16 | Hughes, District 1 | Whitmire, District 15
In memory of Robert Lynn Trimble. 3/22: RECEIVED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE, FILED; 3/23: READ, ADOPTED, REPORTED ENROLLED, PRINTED IN FULL
GREYHOUND BILLS
BILL: HB 2843 - Kuempel, District 44
Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing conducted by certain persons, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses. (Establishes a “Texas Gaming Commission,” a bureaucracy that will regulate gambling, including horse and greyhound racing, and promote the growth of horseracing). 3/14: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE; 3/22: SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERED IN PUBLIC HEARING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, TESTIMONY TAKEN/RECORDED IN COMMITTEE, LEFT PENDING IN COMMITTEE; 4/3: CONSIDERED IN FORMAL MEETING, COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CONSIDERED IN COMMITTEE, REPORTED FAVORABLY AS SUBSTITUTED; 5/5 – COMMITTEE REPORT FILED WITH COMMITTEE COORDINATOR, REPORT DISTRIBUTED; 5/6 – COMMITTEE REPORT SENT TO CALENDARS; 5/8 – CONSIDERED IN CALENDARS; 5/10 – PLACED ON MAJOR STATE CALENDAR – READ 2ND TIME, POSTPONED, LAID OUT AS POSTPONED BUSINESS, POSTPONED; 5/11 – LAID OUT AS POSTPONED BUSINESS, POSTPONED X 2, AMENDED, RECORD VOTE, STATEMENT OF VOTE RECORDED IN JOURNAL, PASSED TO ENGROSSMENT AS AMENDED, RECORD VOTE, STATEMENT OF VOTE RECORDED IN JOURNAL; 5/12 - READ 3RD TIME, POSTPONED;
BILL: HB 4100 - Kuempel, District 44
Relating to the regulation of wagering through telephone, the Internet, or other approved electronic means on horse races and greyhound races under the pari-mutuel system of wagering; requiring a license to operate account wagering; requiring a fee. (Wagering on horse and greyhound racing may be done by telephone or over the internet). 3/20: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BILL: HJR 97 - Green, District 99 | Kuempel, District 44
Proposing a constitutional amendment to foster economic development and job growth, provide tax relief and funding for education and public safety programs, and reform and support the horse racing industry by authorizing casino gaming at destination resorts, creating the Texas Gaming Commission, authorizing sports wagering, requiring a license to conduct casino gaming, and requiring the imposition of a gaming and sports wagering tax and license application fees. 3/3: READ AND REFERRED TO STATE AFFAIRS
BILL: SJR 17 - Alvarado, District 6
Proposing a constitutional amendment to foster economic development and job growth and to provide tax relief and funding for education and public safety by creating the Texas Gaming Commission, authorizing and regulating casino gaming at a limited number of destination resorts and facilities licensed by the commission, authorizing sports wagering, requiring occupational licenses to conduct casino gaming, and requiring the imposition of a tax. (Proposes a constitutional amendment creating the Texas Gaming Commission which will issue licenses for horse and greyhound racing and ensure that horserace tracks maintain “significant racing”). 2/15: READ AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE