BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3486

By: Taylor, Van

Urban Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Municipalities typically determine leash laws, but when adopting an ordinance a municipality might not consider creating an exception to that ordinance for search and rescue dogs.  Leash laws can restrict these dogs' ability to train in urban environments.   H.B. 3486 addresses this issue by prohibiting a municipality from passing a leash law that restricts the ability of certain search and rescue teams to train K9 units without preventing a municipality from adopting a leash law. 

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

H.B. 3486 amends the Local Government Code to prohibit a municipality from adopting or enforcing an ordinance, including a leash law, that restricts the ability of a volunteer search and rescue team to train a service dog for search and rescue or law enforcement purposes.  The bill defines "volunteer search and rescue team."

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2011.