On this page, you can read more about the animal-focused bills we tracked during the 89th Legislative Session.
Be sure to sign up for email notifications so you can take action for the 90th Legislative Session.
THLN Priority Legislation
BILL: Ethical Pet Sales - HB 3458 / SB 1652, Rep. Patterson (District 106) & Senator Zaffirini (District 21) FAILED
Relating to the source of dogs and cats sold by pet stores; providing a civil penalty.
BILL: Veterinarian Telemedicine - HB 3364 / SB 1442, Rep. Lopez (District 37) & Senator Johnson (District 16) FAILED
Relating to the establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Allows for EVCPR (without having an in patient visit first)
BILL: Spay/Neuter License Plate Program - HB 3832 / SB 1568, Rep. Curry (District 56) & Senator Zaffirini (District 21) SB PASSED
Relating to the issuance of animal friendly specialty license plates.
The bill mandates the issuance of "Animal Friendly" specialty license plates to benefit spay and neuter programs in Texas, with designs created in consultation with the Texas Humane Legislation Network.
BILL: Spay/Neuter License Plate Grant Process - HB 3829 / SB 2125, Rep. Curry (District 56) & Senator Zaffirini (District 21) FAILED
Relating to a study to review the animal friendly account.
This bill mandates a study by the Department of State Health Services, in collaboration with the Texas Humane Legislation Network, to review the process of awarding grants from the animal friendly account, with a focus on improving the application process, increasing awareness, and assessing the impact of these grants on animal sterilization.
Animal Bills We're Following
[PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BILL INFORMATION MAY CHANGE FROM TIME TO TIME DUE TO AMENDMENTS AND OTHER CHANGES TO THE BILL]
HOUSE BILLS
BILL: HB 285 - Rep. Ordaz (District 76) PASSED
Relating to the prosecution of the offense of cruelty to non-livestock animals.
This bill adds a defense to criminal negligence if the conduct occurred by a veterinarian or veterinarian’s assistant discharging their duties.
BILL: HB 349 - Rep. Flores (District 51) FAILED
Relating to civil liability for removing certain individuals or animals from a motor vehicle.
This bill limits civil liability of a person who rescues a dog or cat from a locked vehicle to prevent imminent harm to the animal.
BILL: HB 448 - Rep. Gervin-Hawkins (District 120) FAILED
Relating to a notarized affidavit requesting a municipal animal control authority to manage dangerous dogs and aggressive dogs in the municipality’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.
This bill gives municipalities the power to address dangerous or aggressive dogs in nearby unincorporated areas where current animal control services are inadequate or nonexistent.
BILL: HB 471 - Rep. Rosenthal (District 135) FAILED
Relating to the intake and disposition records of animal shelters and releasing agencies.
This bill requires animal shelters and humane organizations to keep detailed intake and disposition records of animals.
BILL: HB 562 - Rep. Gervin-Hawkins (District 120) FAILED
Relating to the regulation of licensed dog and cat breeders.
This bill requires breeders to furnish a bill of sale with the statement that the breeder is regulated by TDLR.
BILL: HB 1436 - Rep. Gonzalez (District 75) FAILED
Relating to an animal cruelty public awareness campaign by the Texas Animal Health Commission.
This bill requires the Texas Animal Health Commission to create a public awareness campaign about animal cruelty, including a dedicated website with information on animal cruelty laws, resources for found or injured animals, and related topics.
BILL: HB 2012 - Rep. Bell (District 3) PASSED
Relating to regulation by certain counties of roadside or parking lot vendors and solicitors.
This bill extends the authority to regulate the sale of live animals and the placement of related structures in parking lots or public roadways to counties with a population over 600,000 that are adjacent to a county with a population of four million.
BILL: HB 2041 - Rep. King (District 88) PASSED
Relating to the criminal offense of passing certain vehicles on a highway.
This bill expands the criminal offense of unlawfully passing certain vehicles on a highway to include vehicles operated by animal control officers or others authorized to remove animals or animal carcasses from the roadway.
BILL: HB 2090 - Rep. Martinez (District 39) FAILED
Relating to the establishment of the disaster identification system for a declared state of disaster.
This bill provides for illuminated light displays on animals to identify them in a disaster.
BILL: HB 410 - Rep. Rosenthal (District 135) FAILED
Relating to pet deposits or fees collected by landlords.
This bill allows landlords to collect a one-time refundable $20 pet deposit or $20 per month pet fee, but not both.
BILL: HB 1346 - Rep. Campos (District 19) FAILED
Relating to an attack by a dangerous dog; increasing a criminal penalty.
This bill adds that the offense resulting in bodily injury is a Class B misdemeanor, serious bodily injury offense would be a third-degree felony, and it would be a second-degree felony if the attack causes death.
BILL: HB 1431 - Rep. Gerdes (District 17) FAILED
Companion to SB 261
Relating to the prohibited manufacture, processing, possession, distribution, offer for sale, and sale of cell-cultured protein.
This bill bans the production, processing, possession, distribution, and sale of cell-cultured protein in Texas, while updating health and safety laws to classify it as adulterated food.
BILL: HB 1720 - Rep. Gervin-Hawkins (District 120) FAILED
Companion to SB 2969
Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of trespass in a facility housing an animal and to restitution for property damage resulting from that trespass.
This bill makes it a state jail felony if a person trespasses into a facility housing animals, such as a zoo, and harasses an animal in any way. It is a felony of the third degree if the animal is hurt in any way.
BILL: HB 1795 - Rep. Anchía (District 103) FAILED
Companion to SB 2426
Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for certain conduct constituting the offense of dog fighting or the offense of cock fighting.
This bill increases the criminal penalties of cockfighting participants by escalating certain offenses from Class A misdemeanors to state jail felonies. Such offenses include permitting one's property to be used for cockfighting or training a cock with the intent that it be used in a cockfighting exhibition.
BILL: HB 1817 - Rep. Harrison (District 10) FAILED
Relating to the deregulation of certain activities and occupations. Repeals the Texas Dog or Cat Licensed Breeder Law.
This bill deregulates certain occupations and activities, including repealing Chapter 802 of the Occupations Code, which effectively eliminates state licensing and oversight of dog and cat breeders in Texas.
BILL: HB 1904 - Rep. Canales (District 40) FAILED
Relating to the release of a balloon and associated littering, creating a criminal offense. Other than for scientific research purposes and a few other minor exceptions, intentionally releasing more than 5 lbs or gallons of balloons outside would be punishable.
This bill makes it punishable to intentionally release more than 5 pounds or gallons of balloons outdoors, except for scientific research and a few other limited exceptions.
BILL: HB 2325 - Rep. Campos (District 119) FAILED
Relating to the establishment of a statewide dangerous dog registry. This bill would require the tracking of detailed information of dangerous dogs ,including the name and address of its owner, a photograph of the dog, proof that the dog is kept in a safe enclosure, proof of liability insurance, and more.
This bill would require the tracking of detailed information of dangerous dogs including the name and address of its owner, a photograph of the dog, proof that the dog is kept in a safe enclosure, proof of liability insurance, and more.
BILL: HB 2439 - Rep. Curry (District 56) FAILED
Relating to the abolishment of the Texas Animal Health Commission and the transfer of its functions to the Department of Agriculture.
This bill abolishes the Texas Animal Health Commission and transfers its responsibilities for protecting livestock and preventing animal diseases to the Texas Department of Agriculture.
BILL: HB 2653 - Rep. Bhojani (District 92) FAILED
Relating to the prohibited performance of certain procedures affecting cat claw functioning, providing a civil penalty.
This bill prohibits certain procedures that impair the normal functioning of a cat's claws, such as declawing and tendon modifications, except when medically necessary or to protect human health.
BILL: HB 2731 - Rep. Muñoz (District 36) PASSED
Relating to the regulation of roadside vendors and solicitors in certain counties.
This bill lowers the population thresholds for counties authorized to regulate roadside vendors, structures, and solicitation on public highways, roads, and parking lots, expanding these regulatory powers to certain counties.
BILL: HB 2806 - Rep. Lujan (District 118) FAILED
Relating to an attack by a dangerous dog; increasing criminal penalties; creating a criminal offense.
This bill increases penalties for dangerous dog attacks and restricts dog ownership for those convicted of such offenses.
BILL: HB 2823 - Rep. Louderback (District 30) FAILED
Relating to establishing a grant program for qualified medical expenses of retired law enforcement dogs.
This bill establishes a grant program administered by the Comptroller to provide financial support for the medical expenses of retired law enforcement dogs adopted by transferees.
BILL: HB 1614 - Rep. Johnson, Ann (District 134) FAILED
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.
This bill 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.
BILL: HB 2992 - Rep. Tepper (District 84) FAILED
Relating to the name and function of the rural veterinarian incentive program.
This bill expands the Rural and Shelter Veterinarian Incentive Program to offer financial support for veterinarians in rural areas and high-volume spay/neuter clinics.
BILL: HB 3049 - Rep. Kerwin (District 58) FAILED
Relating to the designation of animal control officers as first responders.
This bill designates animal control officers as first responders, recognizing their role in responding rapidly to emergencies alongside other emergency personnel.
BILL: HB 3155 - Rep. Simmons (District 146) FAILED
Relating to the disclosure of fees by certain landlords in residential rental application transactions.
This bill requires landlords with five or more rental properties to disclose all fees, including pet fees, at the time a rental application is provided. If a pet fee is not disclosed, the landlord is liable to refund the charged amount to the applicant.
BILL: HB 3303 - Rep. Chen-Button (District 112) FAILED
Relating to an exemption from sales and use taxes for exotic animals.
This bill amends the Texas Tax Code to exempt exotic animals, as defined by state law, from sales and use taxes, alongside other agricultural and farming-related items. This exemption applies to purchases related to the acquisition of exotic animals, effective after the bill's enactment.
BILL: HB 3364 - Rep. Lopez (District 37) FAILED
Relating to the establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
This bill allows the establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship through telephone or electronic means.
BILL: HB 3458 - Rep. Patterson (District 106) FAILED
Relating to the source of dogs and cats sold by pet stores; providing a civil penalty.
This bill prohibits pet stores from selling or offering dogs and cats for sale, with exceptions for adoption through certain animal control agencies and nonprofit organizations where pet stores do not collect profit and all proceeds go back to the non-profit from which the animal came from.
BILL: HB 3630 - Rep. Ashby (District 9) FAILED
Companion to SB 1948
Relating to the authority of a political subdivision to regulate fire prevention standards for certain agricultural facilities.
This bill prohibits political subdivisions from requiring the installation of fire protection sprinkler systems in certain agricultural facilities, including agricultural pole barns, nonresidential farm buildings, cotton gins, livestock markets, and commercial feed mills.
BILL: HB 3777 - Rep. Tepper (District 84) FAILED
Relating to requirements for the owner of a dog taken into custody by an animal control authority; authorizing a civil penalty.
This bill requires dog owners to provide proof of microchipping, vaccination, and sterilization if their dog is taken into custody, with penalties for non-compliance.
BILL: HB 3816 - Rep. Metcalf (District 16) FAILED
Relating to the prosecution of the criminal offense of cruelty to livestock animals.
This bill amends the Penal Code to enhance penalties for cruelty to livestock animals, making certain offenses, such as torturing, abandoning, or poisoning livestock, a state jail felony, with increased penalties for repeat offenders.
BILL: HB 3888 - Rep. MCampos (District 119) FAILED
Relating to a sterilization exemption for a dog or cat adopted from a releasing agency.
This bill amends the Health and Safety Code to provide a sterilization exemption for dogs or cats adopted from a releasing agency, including those scheduled for euthanasia or adopted by owners in certain municipalities or counties.
BILL: HB 4038 - Rep. Goodwin (District 47) FAILED
Relating to the authority of a political subdivision to regulate the installation of a communication facility structure near the habitat of endangered species.
This bill allows political subdivisions to regulate communication facility structures near endangered species habitats, with specific distance requirements, and outlines filing and variance procedures.
BILL: HB 4563 - Rep. Flores (District 51) FAILED
Relating to allowing a therapy or facility dog to accompany a child or a person with a disability during testimony in certain criminal cases.
This bill allows a therapy or facility dog to accompany a child or person with a disability during their testimony in certain criminal cases.
BILL: HB 4600 - Rep. Curry (District 56) FAILED
Relating to the issuance of Animal Friendly specialty license plates.
This bill requires the issuance of "Animal Friendly" specialty license plates and other plates designed to support animal welfare and spay-neuter programs in Texas, with designs created in consultation with the Texas Humane Legislation Network.
BILL: HB 4644 - Rep. Morales (District 145) FAILED
Relating to reducing the criminal penalty for the offense of cockfighting.
This bill reduces the criminal penalty for cockfighting offenses, making offenses that were previously classified as state jail felonies or Class A misdemeanors into Class A and Class C misdemeanors, depending on the specific offense.
BILL: HB 4757 - Rep. Thompson (District 141) FAILED
Relating to eligibility for membership on and the regulation of horse racing by the Texas Racing Commission and a prohibition on the conduct of greyhound or other dog racing as live events in this state; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a fee.
This bill prohibits live greyhound and other dog racing events in Texas, while continuing regulation of horse racing under the Texas Racing Commission and supporting equine-related education and research.
BILL: HB 4758 - Rep. Harris Davila (District 52) FAILED
Relating to a public school policy to allow a student with a disability to be accompanied by a handler for the student's service animal.
This bill allows school districts to let students with disabilities be accompanied by a service animal and handler if needed for access to education.
BILL: HB 4768 - Rep. Phelan (District 21) FAILED
Companion to SB 2438
Relating to conditions of community supervision for defendants convicted of certain criminal offenses involving animals.
This bill allows judges to require defendants convicted of animal-related offenses to complete a responsible pet owner course as part of their community supervision. The courses can be online or provided by municipal animal shelters and must cover topics like animal cruelty laws, responsible pet care, and animal bite prevention.
BILL: HB 4775 - Rep. Flores (District 51) FAILED
Relating to an application for a warrant to seize a cruelly treated animal.
This bill allows officers to apply for a warrant to seize an animal being cruelly treated, either from a justice or municipal court in the county or adjacent areas where the animal is located.
BILL: HB 4776 - Rep. Flores (District 51) FAILED
Relating to a central database containing information about persons who have been convicted of or received a grant of deferred adjudication community supervision after pleading guilty for certain offenses involving animal cruelty; creating a criminal offense.
This bill establishes a central database to track individuals convicted of or granted deferred adjudication for animal cruelty offenses, requiring them to register for up to 10 years. It also creates a system for law enforcement to monitor compliance and includes penalties for failing to register.
BILL: HB 4777 - Rep. Flores (District 51) FAILED
Relating to liability for the loss, injury, or death of a domestic animal.
This bill establishes liability for kennels, animal shelters, and governmental units if a domestic animal is lost, injured, or killed while in their care due to negligence or intentional acts. It outlines compensation for pet owners, including damages for veterinary costs, pain and suffering, and mental anguish, and sets guidelines for how such claims are handled.
BILL: HB 4867 - Rep. Vasut (District 25) FAILED
Relating to the management of wildlife and exotic animals from aircraft; creating a criminal offense.
This bill creates a criminal offense for hunting, managing, or harassing wildlife and exotic animals from an aircraft without proper permits or landowner authorization. It also establishes penalties for violations and redefines terms related to wildlife management from aircraft, including the prohibition of hunting for sport using aircraft.
BILL: HB 4938 - Rep. Curry (District 56) FAILED
Relating to the abolishment of the Parks and Wildlife Department and the Parks and Wildlife Commission and the transfer of their functions to the General Land Office, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Public Safety.
This bill abolishes the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and transfers its animal-related functions—such as wildlife conservation, hunting, and fishing—to the Department of Agriculture, with enforcement handled by the Department of Public Safety.
BILL: HB 5013 - Rep. Cain (District 128) FAILED
Relating to eligibility for membership on and the regulation of horse racing by the Texas Racing Commission and a prohibition on the conduct of greyhound or other dog racing as live events in this state; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a fee.
This bill prohibits live greyhound and other dog racing events in Texas, while continuing regulation of horse racing under the Texas Racing Commission and supporting equine-related education and research.
BILL: HB 5042 - Rep. Hayes (District 57) FAILED
Relating to state preemption of and the effect of certain state health and safety laws on certain municipal and county regulations, including a law providing that an elephant is a dangerous wild animal.
This bill enforces state preemption, rendering municipal and county regulations void if they conflict with state laws. It also classifies elephants as dangerous wild animals under the Health and Safety Code.
BILL: HB 5259 - Rep. Flores (District 51) FAILED
Relating to a wildlife corridor action plan developed by the Parks and Wildlife Department and certain other duties of the department relating to wildlife corridors.
This bill mandates the Parks and Wildlife Department to create a wildlife corridor action plan with recommendations for crossing projects to improve driver safety and wildlife connectivity, to be submitted by December 1, 2026, with updates posted on the department's website.
BILL: HB 5356 - Rep. Lujan (District 118) FAILED
Relating to the authority of a municipality to regulate activities involving a horse-drawn carriage.
This bill prohibits municipalities from adopting or enforcing ordinances or regulations that restrict or prohibit activities involving horse-drawn carriages, whether for business, educational, or entertainment purposes.
BILL: HB 662 - Rep. Flores (District 51) FAILED
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.
This bill requires that dogs and cats retired from research be offered for adoption through nonprofit animal organizations.
SENATE BILLS
BILL: SB 141 - Senator Hall (District 2) FAILED
Relating to the authority of a municipality or a property owners’ association to regulate the raising or keeping of chickens.
This bill mandates that cities and HOA’s must allow residents of single-family residential lots to have at least six chickens.
BILL: SB 155 - Senator Menendez (District 26) FAILED
Companion to HB 1346
Relating to the authority of a municipality or a property owners’ association to regulate the raising or keeping of chickens.
This bill mandates that cities and HOA’s must allow residents of single-family residential lots to have at least six chickens.
BILL: SB 261 - Senator Perry (District 28) PASSED
Companion to SB 822 and HB 1431
Relating to the prohibited manufacture, processing, possession, distribution, offer for sale, and sale of cell-cultured protein.
This bill prohibits the manufacture, processing, possession, distribution, offer for sale, and sale of cell-cultured protein in Texas, defining it as food derived from harvesting and artificially replicating animal cells. It also amends existing laws to classify cell-cultured protein as adulterated food and includes a new section to enforce this prohibition.
BILL: SB 305 - Senator Perry (District 28) PASSED
Companion to HB 2041
Relating to the criminal offense of passing certain vehicles on a highway.
This bill expands the list of vehicles on highways that require specific visual signals, including vehicles operated by animal control officers when removing animals from the roadway, to ensure safe passing regulations.
BILL: SB 352 - Senator Eckhardt (District 14) FAILED
Relating to certain proceedings or procedures involving the disposition of certain contraband or abandoned, or unclaimed property.
This bill changes the procedure for the seizure and forfeiture of dog-fighting equipment.
BILL: SB 613 - Senator Hinojosa (District 20) FAILED
Relating to the regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine; increasing a civil penalty.
This bill amends Texas veterinary medicine regulations to prevent non-veterinary entities from interfering with veterinary practices, increases civil penalties for violations, and adds protections for veterinarians against exploitation by private equity firms and business entities.
BILL: SB 716 - Senator Sparks (District 31) FAILED
Companion to HB 3677
Relating to the issuance of an occupational license to certain. Allows persons holding a valid veterinary license in good standing from another state to obtain a license to practice in Texas.
BILL: SB 822 - Senator Middleton (District 11) FAILED
Companion HB 1431 and SB 261
Relating to the prohibited manufacture, processing, possession, distribution, offer for sale, and sale of cell-cultured protein.
This bill bans the production, processing, possession, distribution, and sale of cell-cultured protein in Texas, while updating health and safety laws to classify it as adulterated food.
BILL: SB 839 - Senator Johnson (District 11) FAILED
Relating to asset forfeiture under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
This bill impacts animals by addressing the forfeiture of property, which could include animals seized during criminal investigations. It ensures that animals, like other property, are accounted for in the case tracking system, and their use or disposition, such as being retained by law enforcement or sold, is reported.
BILL: SB 1168 - Senator Hinojosa (District 27) FAILED
Companion to HB 2090
Relating to establishment of the disaster identification system for a declared state of disaster.
This bill establishes a disaster identification system to aid in disaster relief efforts, allowing individuals and domesticated animals in declared disaster areas to participate by using illuminated displays to communicate with relief personnel. The system helps identify individuals and animals needing assistance through color-coded and flashing lights, improving the efficiency of search and rescue operations.
BILL: SB 1245 - Senator Blanco (District 29) PASSED
Relating to the taking of certain aoudad sheep by using a helicopter.
This bill allows qualified landowners or their agents to use helicopters for taking aoudad sheep, in addition to feral hogs and coyotes, under a permit issued by the Parks and Wildlife Commission.
BILL: SB 1248 - Senator Perry (District 28) PASSED
Relating to the disclosure of certain harvest report information submitted to the Parks and Wildlife Department.
This bill restricts the disclosure of harvest report information submitted to the Parks and Wildlife Department, allowing it to be shared only under specific conditions, such as with law enforcement via subpoena or for statistical purposes without identifying individuals or specific locations.
BILL: SB 1285 - Senator Eckhardt (District 14) FAILED
Relating to the protection of bats.
This bill strengthens the protection of bats by prohibiting the hunting, confinement, or sale of bats or their parts, with exceptions for nonlethal removal of bats from buildings using specific exclusion methods and for certain professionals handling bats due to health concerns or rehabilitation purposes.
BILL: SB 1442 - Senator Johnson (District 16) FAILED
Companion to HB 3354
Relating to the establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
This bill allows for a veterinarian-client-patient relationship to be established through telephone or electronic means.
BILL: SB 1568 - Senator Zaffirini (District 21) PASSED
Companion to HB 3832 and HB 4600
Relating to the issuance of Animal Friendly specialty license plates.
This bill allows for the issuance of "Animal Friendly" specialty license plates and other plates designed to support animal welfare and spay-neuter programs in Texas, with the design developed in consultation with the Texas Humane Legislation Network.
BILL: SB 1658 - Senator Gutierrez (District 19) FAILED
Relating to regulating certain firearm transfers, possession of certain firearms, and protective orders prohibiting possession of a firearm; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.
This bill would allow courts to issue Extreme Risk Protective Orders, prohibiting respondents from possessing firearms; Texas protection orders already prohibit respondents from harming, threatening or interfering with the custody of the plaintiff’s pet, companion animal or therapy animal.
BILL: SB 1673 - Senator Menendez (District 26) FAILED
Relating to the prosecution and punishment of the offense of cruelty to non-livestock animals.
This bill mandates that courts order psychological counseling for defendants convicted of cruelty to non-livestock animals and clarifies the definition of "animal" under cruelty laws.
BILL: SB 1948 - Senator Perry (District 28) PASSED
Companion to HB 3630
Relating to the authority of a political subdivision to regulate fire prevention standards for certain agricultural facilities.
This bill prohibits political subdivisions from regulating fire protection sprinkler systems in certain agricultural facilities, including agricultural pole barns, nonresidential farm buildings, cotton gins, livestock markets, and commercial feed mills. This restriction prevents local governments from imposing such requirements on these types of agricultural structures.
BILL: SB 1989 - Senator Hall (District 2) FAILED
Relating to the use of proceeds deposited to the horse industry account for law enforcement purposes.
This bill modifies the use of funds from the horse industry account, allowing them to be used solely for law enforcement purposes rather than for purses, and adjusts the distribution and reimbursement of funds from simulcast signal costs. It also sets limits on the balance in the account and how funds are allocated for the horse racing industry.
BILL: SB 2018 - Senator Paxton (District 8) PASSED
Companion to HB 3232
Relating to the strong families credit against certain taxes for entities that contribute to certain organizations.
This bill establishes a "Strong Families Tax Credit" for entities that make designated contributions to eligible organizations supporting at-risk families.
BILL: SB 2130 - Senator Hinojosa (District 20) FAILED
Relating to the regulation of certain transactions and activities involving the provision of veterinary services; authorizing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses.
This bill regulates transactions involving veterinary services, specifically those related to private equity companies acquiring or controlling veterinary services providers, establishing rules for review and requiring approval for significant transactions.
BILL: SB 2155 - Senator Perry (District 28) PASSED
Companion to HB 1550
Relating to the regulation of veterinary professionals and facilities by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and the temporary administration of the board by the Department of Licensing and Regulation
This bill updates provisions related to the board's operations, including personnel management, rule adoption, licensing procedures, and the use of technology for public interaction and transparency.
BILL: SB 2426 - Senator Hall (District 2) FAILED
Companion to HB 1795
Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for certain conduct constituting the offense of dog fighting or the offense of cockfighting.
This bill increases the criminal penalties for certain conduct related to dog fighting and cockfighting, specifically by revising the classifications of offenses under the Penal Code to impose harsher penalties for those crimes.
BILL: SB 2438 - Senator Zaffirini (District 21) FAILED
Companion to HB 4768
Relating to conditions of community supervision for defendants convicted of certain criminal offenses involving animals.
This bill allows judges to require defendants convicted of certain animal-related offenses to complete a responsible pet owner course as a condition of community supervision.
BILL: SB 2466 - Senator Menendez (District 26) FAILED
Relating to a publication by the Parks and Wildlife Department on the dangers of reflective windows for birds and the distribution of the publication to municipalities and the construction industry.
This bill requires the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to produce and distribute a publication on the dangers of reflective windows to birds, providing copies at no cost to municipalities, which in turn must distribute them to the construction industry.
BILL: SB 2846 - Senator Perry (District 28) FAILED
Relating to the control of disease in wildlife; creating criminal offenses; authorizing an administrative penalty.
This bill establishes provisions for wildlife disease control in Texas, including the authority for the Parks and Wildlife Department to manage disease outbreaks in wildlife, impose quarantines, and enforce penalties for violations.
BILL: SB 2892 - Senator Cook (District 15) FAILED
Companion to HB 5259
Relating to a wildlife corridor action plan developed by the Parks and Wildlife Department and certain other duties of the department relating to wildlife corridors.
This bill requires the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to create a wildlife corridor action plan, prioritizing wildlife crossings to improve safety and connectivity, and to collaborate with other agencies on related projects.
BILL: SB 2969 - Senator Parker (District 12) FAILED
Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of trespass in a facility housing an animal and to restitution for property damage resulting from that trespass.
This bill creates a criminal offense for trespassing in a facility housing animals, such as a zoo, and provides penalties, including restitution for property damage and harm caused to the animals. It also establishes a defense for entering to assist an animal or person in need.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
 |
 |
 |