BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center C.S.S.B. 1568 89R25313 CXP-F By: Zaffirini Transportation 4/23/2025 Committee Report (Substituted) AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Companion animal overpopulation is a public health issue in Texas due to warm weather, lack of education on responsible pet ownership, and veterinarian shortages. As a result, many animals roam the streets, suffer injuries, or are euthanized in shelters that lack space and resources. Spay and neuter programs help control the population and reduce disease spread. Current law funds low-cost spay and neuter services through a grant program supported by sales of an "animal friendly" specialty license plate. This plate, however, does not clearly indicate that proceeds fund spay and neuter efforts, leading to decreased sales and an unstable funding stream. S.B. 1568 would direct the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to expand the selection of license plates and collaborate with the Texas Humane Legislation Network on all designs to ensure they reflect their intended purpose. These changes would increase public awareness, boost participation, and raise funds for sterilization programs-helping to control animal overpopulation, reduce euthanasia rates, and address related public health concerns. (Original Author's/Sponsor's Statement of Intent) C.S.S.B. 1568 amends current law relating to the issuance of animal friendly special license plates. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 504.605, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (a-1) and amending Subsection (b), as follows: (a-1) Requires the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), in addition to the license plates required under Subsection (a) (relating to requiring TxDMV to design and issue specialty license plates including the words "Animal Friendly"), to issue specialty license plates including the words "Spay. Neuter. Adopt." Requires TxDMV to design the license plates. (b) Requires that the remainder of the fee for issuance of license plates under Subsections (a) or (a-1), after deduction of TxDMV's administrative costs, be deposited to the credit of the animal friendly account established by Section 828.014 (Animal Friendly Account; Dedication), Health and Safety Code. Makes a nonsubstantive change. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.S.B. 1568
89R25313 CXP-F By: Zaffirini
Transportation
4/23/2025
Committee Report (Substituted)
Senate Research Center
C.S.S.B. 1568
89R25313 CXP-F
By: Zaffirini
Transportation
4/23/2025
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Companion animal overpopulation is a public health issue in Texas due to warm weather, lack of education on responsible pet ownership, and veterinarian shortages. As a result, many animals roam the streets, suffer injuries, or are euthanized in shelters that lack space and resources. Spay and neuter programs help control the population and reduce disease spread.
Current law funds low-cost spay and neuter services through a grant program supported by sales of an "animal friendly" specialty license plate. This plate, however, does not clearly indicate that proceeds fund spay and neuter efforts, leading to decreased sales and an unstable funding stream. S.B. 1568 would direct the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to expand the selection of license plates and collaborate with the Texas Humane Legislation Network on all designs to ensure they reflect their intended purpose. These changes would increase public awareness, boost participation, and raise funds for sterilization programs-helping to control animal overpopulation, reduce euthanasia rates, and address related public health concerns.
(Original Author's/Sponsor's Statement of Intent)
C.S.S.B. 1568 amends current law relating to the issuance of animal friendly special license plates.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 504.605, Transportation Code, by adding Subsection (a-1) and amending Subsection (b), as follows:
(a-1) Requires the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), in addition to the license plates required under Subsection (a) (relating to requiring TxDMV to design and issue specialty license plates including the words "Animal Friendly"), to issue specialty license plates including the words "Spay. Neuter. Adopt." Requires TxDMV to design the license plates.
(b) Requires that the remainder of the fee for issuance of license plates under Subsections (a) or (a-1), after deduction of TxDMV's administrative costs, be deposited to the credit of the animal friendly account established by Section 828.014 (Animal Friendly Account; Dedication), Health and Safety Code. Makes a nonsubstantive change.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.