Honorable Todd Hunter, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1046 by Homer (Relating to the appeals process in the disposition of cruelly treated animals.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Health and Safety Code to establish that the court to which an appeal in an animal cruelty case is heard is the court that sets the amount for an appeal bond. In addition, the bill would remove the stipulation that an owner of an animal from whom ownership is divested may not further appeal a decision made by a county court or county court at law to which an initial appeal has been made.
Local Government Impact
It is anticipated that any costs associated with the courts hearing additional appeals in an animal cruelty case would not be significant.