Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB2471

Filed
 
Introduced
3/8/11  
Out of House Committee
4/26/11  
Voted on by House
5/4/11  
Refer
3/14/11  
Out of Senate Committee
5/17/11  
Report Pass
3/30/11  
Voted on by Senate
5/24/11  
Engrossed
5/4/11  
Governor Action
6/17/11  
Refer
5/5/11  
Bill Becomes Law
 
Report Pass
5/17/11  
Enrolled
5/25/11  
Enrolled
5/25/11  
Passed
6/17/11  

Caption

Relating to limiting the civil liability of certain persons who obtain or provide medical care and treatment for certain animals.

Impact

This bill is expected to influence the practices surrounding the treatment of stray and abandoned nonlivestock animals within Texas. By limiting liability for individuals providing care in emergencies, the legislation encourages community members to assist animals without fear of legal repercussions. Additionally, animal control agencies and their employees are similarly shielded from liability, fostering a more supportive environment for the care of vulnerable animals in distress. This could lead to an increase in actions taken to help these animals, potentially reducing stray animal populations and promoting public welfare.

Summary

House Bill 2471 aims to limit the civil liability of individuals who provide medical care or treatment to nonlivestock animals under specific conditions. The bill defines key terms related to animal care such as 'animal control agency', 'livestock animal', and 'nonlivestock animal'. Under this legislation, individuals acting in good faith and without compensation when assisting such animals during emergencies will not be liable for civil damages, provided they take reasonable steps to locate the animal's owner or determine the animal's immediate needs with a veterinarian's help.

Contention

While the bill seems largely beneficial to animal welfare advocates, there may be concerns regarding how liability limitations affect accountability for care provided. Critics might argue that such limits could allow negligence to occur without consequence, particularly if the definition of 'gross negligence' does not effectively cover all potential abuses or mishaps. However, proponents believe that the benefits of encouraging comprehensive animal care through decreased legal risk outweigh these possible drawbacks.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3756

Relating to civil liability for removing certain individuals or animals from a motor vehicle.

TX SB2421

Relating to civil liability for removing certain individuals or animals from a motor vehicle.

TX HB3058

Relating to the provision of certain medical treatment to a pregnant woman by a physician or health care provider.

TX HB1752

Relating to liability for the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB4624

Relating to gender modification procedures and treatments for certain minors; providing a civil penalty.

TX SB250

Relating to the provision of and professional liability insurance coverage for gender transitioning or gender reassignment medical procedures and treatments for certain children.

TX HB4

Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.

TX HB1844

Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.

TX HB4730

Relating to the release or disclosure of vaccination or immunization information to certain persons; providing a civil penalty.

TX SB4

Relating to prohibitions on the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, the enforcement of those prohibitions and certain related orders, including immunity from liability and indemnification for enforcement actions, and authorizing or requiring under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.