Texas House Bill HB135

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to regulation of working animals by counties and municipalities.

Impact

The impact of HB 135 on state laws is significant, as it alters the Local Government Code to explicitly disallow local jurisdictions from limiting the use of working animals. This shift centralizes authority at the state level for regulations concerning working animals, which could potentially simplify the legal framework for businesses that rely on such animals. However, it also raises questions around animal welfare and the protection of these animals, as localities often establish regulations with the intent of ensuring humane treatment.

Summary

House Bill 135 seeks to regulate the use of working animals by prohibiting counties and municipalities from adopting or enforcing any regulations that would ban the use of these animals for specific duties tied to businesses. This includes roles in entertainment, transportation, education, and exhibitions. The legislation aims to standardize the treatment of working animals across Texas and ensure that local governments cannot impose restrictions that would hinder their use in legitimate business operations.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 135 include concerns from various advocacy groups regarding animal welfare. Critics argue that without local regulations, there may be insufficient measures in place to safeguard the well-being of working animals, particularly in industries where their treatment may vary significantly. Supporters, on the other hand, argue that the bill is necessary to prevent a patchwork of local laws that could negatively impact businesses reliant on working animals. The differing perspectives highlight the ongoing debate between economic interests and animal welfare considerations.