81R879 YDB-D
By: Dutton H.B. No. 925
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the handling of or caring for a pit bull breed of dog by
certain minors; providing penalties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 822, Health and Safety
Code, is amended by adding Sections 822.009 and 822.010 to read as
follows:
Sec. 822.009. PIT BULL BREED OF DOG: ADULT SUPERVISION
REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN MINORS. (a) In this section and Section
822.010, "pit bull breed of dog" means any Staffordshire Bull
Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull
Terrier, or any mixed breed of dog that exhibits distinguishing
characteristics that substantially conform to the American Kennel
Club or United Kennel Club standards for those breeds.
(b) A minor who is 15 years of age or younger may not handle
or care for a pit bull breed of dog without adult supervision.
(c) The owner of a pit bull breed of dog who allows a minor
who is 15 years of age or younger to handle or care for the dog
without adult supervision is liable for damages for death or bodily
injury to a person that occurs while the dog is handled or cared for
by the minor.
Sec. 822.010. OFFENSE. (a) The owner of a pit bull breed of
dog commits an offense if the owner allows a minor who is 15 years of
age or younger to handle or care for the dog without adult
supervision.
(b) An offense under Subsection (a) is a Class C
misdemeanor.
SECTION 2. Section 822.009, Health and Safety Code, as
added by this Act, applies only to damages that occur on or after
the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.