BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3798

By: Minjarez

County Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised regarding the inequitable application of pet policies in public housing authorities. These policies are currently inconsistent with state law and frequently vague in their breed identification policy. Many ban certain breeds simply because they are stated to be "dangerous breeds" or "known fighter breeds." There have been calls to update statutes governing these authorities to clarify that government-funded housing should be in compliance with existing state law regarding breed bans. This is necessary due to the common occurrence of these pet policies separating pets from their families simply based upon a dog's appearance. Housing barriers are the main reason people report being forced to surrender their pets to shelters in Texas. Families at risk of housing instability deserve to keep their faithful companion. H.B. 3798 seeks to remedy this situation by requiring the pet policies of county and municipal housing authorities to be consistent with certain laws on dangerous dogs.

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. 3798 amends the Local Government Code to require any housing authority policy permitting tenant ownership of a pet to comply with all applicable county or municipal requirements or restrictions on dangerous dogs.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2021.