Texas HB 543: Relating to the regulation of working animals by a political subdivision.

Bill Text

By:AAWhite H.B.ANo.A543
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the regulation of working animals by a political
subdivision.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTIONA1.AAThe heading to Chapter 251, Agriculture Code, is
amended to read as follows:
CHAPTERA251.AAEFFECT OF NUISANCE ACTIONS AND GOVERNMENTAL
REQUIREMENTS ON CERTAIN [PREEXISTING] AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS
SECTIONA2.AAChapter 251, Agriculture Code, is amended by
adding Section 251.007 to read as follows:
Sec.A251.007.AAREGULATION OF WORKING ANIMALS. (a) In this
section, "working animal" means an animal used for the purpose of
performing a specific duty or function, including entertainment,
transportation, or education.
(b)AANotwithstanding any other law, a political subdivision
may not impose a governmental requirement that terminates, bans, or
effectively bans by imposing an undue financial hardship, the job
or use of a working animal or an enterprise that employs a working
animal.
(c)AAA governmental requirement adopted by a political
subdivision that violates Subsection (b) is void.
SECTIONA3.AASection 251.007, Agriculture Code, as added by
this Act, applies to a governmental requirement adopted before, on,
or after the effective date of this Act.
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87R1606 BEF-F 1

SECTIONA4.AAThis Act takes effect September 1, 2021.1
H.B.ANo.A543
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