BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 604

By: Noble

County Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Stolen and lost animals that end up with a shelter, agency, or organization often remain unidentified, separated from their homes and loved ones forever, even when an animal has been microchipped by its owner for the express purpose of identification. This happens because some of these entities, unfortunately, do not scan for a microchip before placing an animal for adoption or euthanizing it. Despite an owner's investment in this widespread technology, an owner of a stolen or lost animal still must rely on a responsible entity to scan animals at intake and quickly identify the animal. H.B. 604 seeks to address this issue by requiring the scanning of an animal as soon as practicable after the animal is placed in the custody of an applicable shelter, agency, or organization in order to ensure that pets are reunited with their loved ones.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 604 amends the Health and Safety Code to require an applicable animal shelter, releasing agency, or animal rescue organization to scan an animal as soon as practicable after the animal is placed in the custody of the shelter, agency, or organization to determine whether a microchip is implanted in the animal.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.