BILL ANALYSIS


                                                        S.B. 1437
                                                       By: Harris
                                      Intergovernmental Relations
                                                           4-6-95
                                     Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

Tarrant County was not forced to implement provisions of Chapter
822C, Health and Safety Code, when a referendum called for by
citizens desiring control of dogs roaming the rural areas of the
county and killing livestock was defeated.  The provisions of
Chapter 822C are detrimental to municipalities within the county
that have enacted animal control ordinances and who currently
collect fees.  Another petition call for referendum could occur as
soon as six months from the date of the election, and if passed, an
election to repeal may not be held for two years thereafter.

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1437 provides that Section 822.021C, Health and
Safety Code, relating to the county registration of dogs does not
apply to any county or municipality that enacts or has enacted
registration or restraint laws under the Rabies Control Act.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 822.021C, Health and Safety Code, to
prohibit Subchapter C from applying to any county or municipality
that enacts or has enacted registration or restraint laws pursuant
to the Rabies Control Act.

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.