BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	H.B. 604
87R2940 MCF-D	By: Noble et al. (Zaffirini)
	Local Government
	5/2/2021
	Engrossed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Stolen and lost animals that end up with a shelter, agency, or organization often remain unidentified, separated from their homes and loved ones forever, even when an animal has been microchipped by its owner for the express purpose of identification. This happens because some of these entities, unfortunately, do not scan for a microchip before placing an animal for adoption or euthanizing it. Despite an owner's investment in this widespread technology, an owner of a stolen or lost animal still must rely on a responsible entity to scan animals at intake and quickly identify the animal. H.B. 604 seeks to address this issue by requiring the scanning of an animal as soon as practicable after the animal is placed in the custody of an applicable shelter, agency, or organization to ensure that pets are reunited with their loved ones.

 

H.B. 604 amends current law relating to a microchip scan of animals in the custody of an animal shelter or releasing agency, including an animal rescue organization.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 823, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 823.004, as follows:

Sec. 823.004.  MICROCHIP SCAN REQUIRED. Requires a shelter, agency, or organization, as soon as practicable after an animal is placed in the custody of the animal shelter or a releasing agency as defined by Section 828.001 (Definitions), including an animal rescue organization, to scan the animal to determine whether a microchip is implanted in the animal.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2021.