Honorable Dan Patrick, Lieutenant Governor, Senate
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB762 by Menéndez (Relating to the prosecution of offenses involving cruelty to animals; increasing a criminal penalty. ), As Passed 2nd House
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Penal Code as it relates to the prosecution of offenses involving cruelty to animals. Under the provisions of the bill, the number of previous convictions for certain acts of animal cruelty necessary for penalty enhancement would be reduced. The bill would also remove the penalty enhancement for individuals who commit certain subsequent acts of animal cruelty. The bill would also allow a judge to require the completion of an online responsible pet owner course by certain individuals sentenced to a term of community supervision for certain offenses involving animals.
The Office of Court Administration and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice do not anticipate a significant fiscal impact. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation anticipates implementation of the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources. This analysis assumes the provisions of the bill addressing felony sanctions would not result in a significant impact on the demand for state correctional resources.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2017 and apply only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of the Act.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
452 Department of Licensing and Regulation, 212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 696 Department of Criminal Justice