SRC-ARR S.B. 221 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 221
76R2931 JRD-FBy: Lindsay
Intergovernmental Relations
2/8/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law requires the owner of a dangerous dog to pay any cost
or fee assessed by the municipality or county related to the "seizure,
impoundment, and destruction of the dog." One trial court has interpreted
this to not allow cost or fees for impoundment when an owner voluntarily
surrenders the dog. S.B. 221 removes the perceived limitation that a
municipality or county can only assess costs or fees for impoundment or
destruction of dangerous dogs that are seized. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 221 relates to the assessment of costs or fees by a
county or municipality related to the seizure, acceptance, impoundment, or
destruction of a dangerous dog. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 822.042(d), Health and Safety Code, to require
the owner, a person who owns or has control of the dog, to pay any fee
assessed by a  municipality or county related to the seizure, impoundment,
or destruction of the dog or, if it is delivered or surrendered by the
owner, related to the acceptance of the dog. Authorizes the governing body
of the municipality or county to prescribe the amount of the fees. 

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