Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB472

Caption

Relating to the protection of animal and crop facilities; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

The implementation of SB472 is set to have significant implications on state laws regarding the agricultural sector. It introduces specific penal consequences, classifying violations as Class B or Class A misdemeanors based on the extent of damage incurred, thereby addressing a gap in current legislation related to agricultural criminality. This change serves to enhance the protections afforded to farmers and ranchers, ensuring that violations against their livelihoods are met with appropriate legal repercussions.

Summary

Senate Bill 472 aims to enhance the legal protections for animal and crop facilities in Texas by introducing penalties for various forms of misconduct that jeopardize agricultural production. The bill defines offenses related to the intentional release, theft, or damaging of animals and crops within these facilities. By clearly delineating what constitutes a criminal offense against agricultural properties, SB472 seeks to deter potential criminals from engaging in harmful actions against farmers and ranchers.

Contention

Despite its intentions, SB472 may face contention among various stakeholders. Critics could argue that the bill may lead to over-criminalization of certain actions that are accidental or minor in nature, particularly the financial thresholds established for defining criminal acts. Moreover, there may be concerns over how vigorously the new provisions will be enforced and whether smaller agricultural operations will face disproportionate scrutiny or penalties compared to larger entities. The balance between protecting agricultural facilities and not stifling legitimate farming and ranching activities will likely be a focal point in discussions around the bill.

Companion Bills

TX HB1480

Same As Relating to the protection of animal and crop facilities; creating a criminal offense.

Previously Filed As

TX SB465

Relating to certain criminal conduct involving a catalytic converter; creating a criminal offense; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB224

Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.

TX HB4598

TX HB4886

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1179

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB2997

Relating to creating a criminal offense for damaging certain critical infrastructure facilities and providing for the prosecution of that conduct as manslaughter in certain circumstances; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB947

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.