Honorable Rick Hardcastle, Chair, House Committee on Agriculture & Livestock
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB326 by Goodman (Relating to the offense of cruelty to animals.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Penal Code to clarify the instances in which a person would be charged with the offense of cruelty to animals. The bill would also change the definition of "animal" and offer an additional defense to prosecution for an offense. The bill would take effect on September 1, 2005 and apply only to an offense committed occuring on or after that date.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.