Honorable Pete Flores, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB285 by Ordaz (Relating to the prosecution of the offense of cruelty to nonlivestock animals.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would expand the conduct constituting the criminal offense of cruelty to nonlivestock animals to include the culpable mental state of criminal negligence. The bill would furthermore add a defense to prosecution for veterinarians and their assistants if the conduct occurs while discharging their duties.
It is assumed that any fiscal impact and impact on state correctional populations or on the demand for state correctional resources would not be significant.
Local Government Impact
It is assumed that any fiscal impact to units of local government associated with enforcement, prosecution, supervision, or confinement would not be significant.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts