BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 674

By: Ramos

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been reported that some domestic violence victims refuse to leave an unsafe environment out of concern for a pet and that some domestic violence perpetrators harm or threaten to harm pets. Insufficient public information about the options available to a court in rendering a protective order may be a factor influencing these reported actions. H.B. 674 seeks to address this issue by providing for the development and public distribution of information relating to a protective order, including the ability of a court to include provisions prohibiting a party from removing a pet or other animal from the possession or care of a person named in the order.

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. 674 amends the Family Code to require the attorney general and the State Bar of Texas to jointly develop information to provide to the public about the provisions that may be included in a protective order in cases of family violence, including the ability of a court to render a protective order prohibiting a party from removing a pet, companion animal, or assistance animal from the possession or actual or constructive care of a person named in the order.

H.B. 674 amends the Government Code to require the office of a prosecuting attorney to make such information readily available at the prosecuting attorney's office to persons who wish to apply for a protective order.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.