Honorable Eddie Lucio Jr., Chair, Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1436 by Smithee (Relating to appeals regarding dangerous dogs.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Health and Safety Code to require an animal control authority to notify an owner in writing of the determination that a dog is dangerous. The bill would permit an owner to appeal the decision to a justice, county or municipal court and is entitled to a jury trial on request. The bill would amend the procedures for conducting a trial to require a court to determine the costs to house an impounded dog during the appeal process and set a bond to cover the costs. The bill would permit a party to appeal the determination of a municipal or justice court to a county court or a county court at law and would permit a jury trial upon request. The bill would prohibit a court from ordering the destruction of a dog if there is a pending appeal under the provisions of the bill.
The Office of Court Administration reported no significant fiscal impact to the state court system is anticipated.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council