Honorable Gary VanDeaver, Chair, House Committee on Public Health
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2806 by Lujan (Relating to an attack by a dangerous dog; increasing criminal penalties; creating a criminal offense.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would establish a Class B misdemeanor penalty for certain unprovoked dog attacks that result in bodily injury. The bill would increase the penalty relating to an attack by a dangerous dog from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class B misdemeanor if the defendant was previously convicted of such an offense. The bill would create a new Class C misdemeanor offense, committed when a person possesses or exercises certain control over a dog and has, within a five-year period preceding the instant offense, been previously convicted for an offense related to attack by dangerous dog. The offense is furthermore subject to an enhancement to a Class B misdemeanor if the person is found to have a previous conviction of the offense.
It is assumed that any fiscal impact and any impact on state correctional populations or on the demand for state correctional resources would not be significant
Local Government Impact
While it is assumed that any fiscal impact to units of local government associated with enforcement, prosecution, supervision, or confinement would not be significant, the provisions of the bill may result in increased demands upon local animal-control authorities due to a possible increase in responsibilities and obligations.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 304 Comptroller of Public Accounts