Honorable Pete Gallego, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1472 by Jones (Relating to the offense of cruelty to nonlivestock animals.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Penal Code by expanding the definition of cruelty to nonlivestock animals to include harass. Under the provision of the bill harass would be defined as disturb, worry, molest, harry, torment, or chase. Under current statute, the punishment for cruelty to nonlivestock animals ranges from a Class A misdemeanor to third degree felony. The bill would take effect September 1, 2009 and apply only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of the Act. It is assumed that the bill would not result in a significant impact on the programs and workload of state corrections agencies or on the demand for resources and services of those agencies.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.