BILL ANALYSIS
By: Talton
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
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 continually 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
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
House Bill 825 amends Section 38.15(a) of the Penal Code to include animal control officers to the group of officers against whom the crime of interference with public duties are committed. The provision applies only to those duties conducted by the officer that are required in their capacity as an animal control officer. The bill provides that a person who interferes with an animal control officer's duties commits a Class B misdemeanor.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2005.