87R1606 BEF-F
By: White H.B. No. 543
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:
SECTION 1. The heading to Chapter 251, Agriculture Code, is
amended to read as follows:
CHAPTER 251. EFFECT OF NUISANCE ACTIONS AND GOVERNMENTAL
REQUIREMENTS ON CERTAIN [PREEXISTING] AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS
SECTION 2. Chapter 251, Agriculture Code, is amended by
adding Section 251.007 to read as follows:
Sec. 251.007. REGULATION 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) Notwithstanding 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) A governmental requirement adopted by a political
subdivision that violates Subsection (b) is void.
SECTION 3. Section 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.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.