88R3516 BEE-D
 
  By: Ordaz H.B. No. 1521
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to transporting dogs in open truck or trailer beds in
  certain counties.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter I, Chapter 545, Transportation Code,
  is amended by adding Section 545.4146 to read as follows:
         Sec. 545.4146.  TRANSPORTING DOGS IN OPEN BEDS. (a) This
  section applies only to a vehicle being operated or a trailer being
  drawn:
               (1)  in a county with a population of more than 500,000;
  and
               (2)  on a highway or street with a speed limit of 30
  miles per hour or more.
         (b)  A person may not operate an open-bed pickup truck or an
  open flatbed truck or draw an open flatbed trailer described by
  Subsection (a) when a dog is occupying the bed of the truck or
  trailer unless:
               (1)  the dog occupying the bed of the truck or trailer
  is secured in a crate, cage, or other closed container; and
               (2)  the container required by Subdivision (1) is
  securely attached to the walls or bed of the truck or trailer.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.