BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3829

By: Curry

Public Health

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the special animal friendly license plate is deposited in the animal friendly account to support community-based spay and neuter initiatives statewide. The bill author has informed the committee that the animal friendly account is not as accessible as intended, with too many steps required for nonprofits to secure grant money. H.B. 3829 seeks to address this issue by requiring the Department of State Health Services, in collaboration with the Texas Humane Legislation Network, to conduct a study on the grant process for organizations receiving funds from the animal friendly account.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3829 requires the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), in collaboration with the Texas Humane Legislation Network, to conduct a study on the process for awarding to an organization a grant from the animal friendly account, defined by reference to statutory provisions relating to dog and cat sterilization. The bill requires DSHS, in conducting the study in collaboration with the network, to do the following:

· analyze the impact of grants awarded from the animal friendly account on the sterilization of animals owned by members of the general public;

· evaluate methods to improve the process for applying for a grant from the animal friendly account;

· determine methods of streamlining the reporting process for use of grant money awarded from the animal friendly account;

· assess ways for DSHS to increase awareness of the grant awards available from the animal friendly account;

· solicit comments from individuals who were awarded a grant from the animal friendly account regarding ideas for improving those application and reporting processes; and

· collaborate with any other state and local agencies as DSHS determines to be relevant.

H.B. 3829 requires DSHS, not later than September 1, 2026, to prepare and submit to the legislature a written report that includes a summary of the study's results and any recommendations for legislative or other action. The bill's provisions expire September 1, 2027.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2025.