88R14177 MCF-D
By: Shaheen H.B. No. 4816
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the prohibited requirement of a rabies report on or
quarantine of certain domesticated dogs, cats, and ferrets.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 826, Health and Safety
Code, is amended by adding Section 826.0425 to read as follows:
Sec. 826.0425. PROHIBITED REQUIREMENT OF CERTAIN REPORTS OR
QUARANTINE. The executive commissioner may not adopt a rule to
require:
(1) a person to report an incident involving an animal
bite or scratch if:
(A) the bite or scratch was from a domesticated
dog, cat, or ferret; and
(B) the person does not reasonably foresee the
dog, cat, or ferret as capable of transmitting rabies and does not
suspect the dog, cat, or ferret is rabid; or
(2) the owner of a domesticated dog, cat, or ferret to
submit the animal to quarantine under this chapter if the owner
lacks probable cause to believe the animal is rabid or may have been
exposed to rabies.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.