BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                       H.B. 825

79R2344 KEL-F                                                                                             By: Talton (Whitmire)

Criminal Justice

5/16/2005

Engrossed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Under current law, the criminal offense of interference with public duties does not apply to officers having responsibility for animal control.  Animal control officers are being injured as a result of the interference from others while they are completing their duties.  H.B. 825 provides prosecution for the offense of interference with public duties relating to animal control officers.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 38.15(a), Penal Code, to include that a person commits an offense if the person with criminal negligence interrupts, disrupts, impedes, or otherwise interferes with an officer with responsibility for animal control in a county or municipality, while the officer is performing a duty or exercising authority imposed or granted under Chapter 821 (Treatment and Disposition of Animals) or 822 (Regulation of Animals), Health and Safety Code.  Makes a nonsubstantive change.

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2005.