Bill Text: TX HB4495 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating to the authority of certain counties to order the microchipping of dogs; providing a civil penalty.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-04-26 - Left pending in committee [HB4495 Detail]

Download: Texas-2023-HB4495-Introduced.html

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88R13633 MCF-F
By: Gerdes H.B. No. 4495

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the authority of certain counties to order the
microchipping of dogs; providing a civil penalty.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 822, Health and Safety Code, is amended
by adding Subchapter F to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER F. MICROCHIPPING OF DOGS IN CERTAIN COUNTIES
Sec. 822.151. APPLICABILITY. This subchapter applies only
to a county with a population of less than 50,000 that is:
(1) located in a metropolitan statistical area as
defined by the federal Office of Management and Budget with a
population of more than two million; and
(2) adjacent to another metropolitan statistical area
as defined by the federal Office of Management and Budget with a
population of more than two million.
Sec. 822.152. ORDER TO MICROCHIP. (a) The commissioners
court of a county may adopt an order requiring each dog regularly
located in the county that is owned by a county resident to be
microchipped. The order must specify:
(1) the time the owner has to microchip the dog after
becoming the owner;
(2) any exemption from the requirement to microchip,
including any exemption for a dog temporarily located in the county
or for a medical reason; and
(3) any other matters the commissioners court finds
appropriate.
(b) If another political subdivision located in the county
adopts a microchipping requirement with more stringent standards
than the county standards, the political subdivision's standards
control within the political subdivision.
Sec. 822.153. CIVIL PENALTY. (a) A person who violates an
order adopted under this subchapter is liable for a civil penalty of
not more than $200.
(b) The county attorney of the county in which the violation
occurs may sue to collect a civil penalty.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.