Bill > HB4775

This bill modifies the existing Texas Health and Safety Code to expand the jurisdictional options for peace officers or animal control officers seeking a warrant to seize an animal that is believed to be cruelly treated. Currently, officers can apply for a warrant in the county or municipality where the animal is located. The bill broadens this scope by allowing officers to also apply for a warrant in an adjacent county or adjacent municipality. Specifically, the bill provides that an officer may now apply for a warrant to seize a cruelly treated animal from: (1) a justice court or magistrate in either the county where the animal is located or an adjacent county, or (2) a municipal court in either the municipality where the animal is located or an adjacent municipality. The bill, which will be known as Parsons's Law, is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and aims to provide more flexibility for law enforcement and animal control officers in obtaining warrants to protect animals from cruel treatment.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4775