Honorable Garnet Coleman, Chair, House Committee on County Affairs
FROM:
John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2679 by Smith, Todd (Relating to appeals regarding dangerous dogs.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Health and Safety Code to require a court to determine estimated costs to house and care for a dangerous, impounded animal during an appeal process by an owner and to set the amount of bond for an appeal adequate to cover the estimated costs.
As a condition of perfecting an appeal in an animal cruelty case, the appellant would be required to file an appeal and, if applicable, an appeal bond in an amount determined by the court. The court would be required to consider the matter de novo, and any party is entitled to a trial by jury. A county court or a county court at law would have jurisdiction to hear an appeal.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.