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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the regulation of working animals by a political |
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subdivision. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. The heading to Chapter 251, Agriculture Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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CHAPTER 251. EFFECT OF NUISANCE ACTIONS AND GOVERNMENTAL |
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REQUIREMENTS ON CERTAIN [PREEXISTING] AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS |
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SECTION 2. Chapter 251, Agriculture Code, is amended by |
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adding Section 251.007 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 251.007. REGULATION OF WORKING ANIMALS. (a) In this |
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section, "working animal" means an animal used for the purpose of |
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performing a specific duty or function, including entertainment, |
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transportation, or education. |
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(b) Notwithstanding any other law, a political subdivision |
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may not impose a governmental requirement that terminates, bans, or |
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effectively bans by imposing an undue financial hardship, the job |
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or use of a working animal or an enterprise that employs a working |
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animal. |
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(c) A governmental requirement adopted by a political |
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subdivision that violates Subsection (b) is void. |
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SECTION 3. Section 251.007, Agriculture Code, as added by |
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this Act, applies to a governmental requirement adopted before, on, |
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or after the effective date of this Act. |
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SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021. |