Bill > HB2806

This bill, named the Roman Najera Act, makes several changes to Texas law regarding dangerous dogs and related penalties. The bill modifies the process by which animal control authorities can investigate and determine whether a dog is dangerous, expanding their ability to investigate incidents based on witness statements and direct observation. It introduces new provisions specifically for municipalities with populations over 70 percent of a county with more than 1.5 million residents, allowing animal control authorities more flexibility in determining a dog's dangerous status. The bill also increases criminal penalties for dog-related offenses, changing the standard penalty from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class B misdemeanor for repeat offenders. Additionally, the bill adds a confidentiality provision to protect the identifying information of witnesses who provide sworn statements about dog incidents, ensuring their personal details can only be disclosed to specific governmental entities for enforcement purposes. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to incidents and offenses occurring on or after that date.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2806