88R3333 DIO-D
 
  By: Buckley H.B. No. 2238
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the licensing and regulation of dog and cat breeders;
  expanding the applicability of an occupational license.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 802.002(8), Occupations Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
               (8)  "Dog or cat breeder" means a person who possesses
  five [11] or more adult intact female animals and is engaged in the
  business of breeding those animals for direct or indirect sale or
  for exchange in return for consideration [and who sells or
  exchanges, or offers to sell or exchange, not fewer than 20 animals
  in a calendar year].
         SECTION 2.  As soon as practicable after the effective date
  of this Act, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation shall
  prescribe the forms and procedures necessary to implement the
  changes in law made by this Act.
         SECTION 3.  Notwithstanding Section 802.002(8), Occupations
  Code, as amended by this Act, a dog or cat breeder who possesses
  five or more but fewer than 11 adult intact female animals and is
  engaged in the business of breeding those animals for direct or
  indirect sale or for exchange in return for consideration is not
  required to hold a license under Chapter 802, Occupations Code, to
  act as a dog or cat breeder before January 1, 2024.
         SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.