TITLE: Relating to the authority of certain counties to order the microchipping of dogs; providing a civil penalty.

SUMMARY: Relating to the authority of certain counties to order the microchipping of dogs; providing a civil penalty.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the authority of certain counties to order the microchipping of dogs; providing a civil penalty. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 822, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Subchapter Fto read as follows: SUBCHAPTER F. MICROCHIPPING OF DOGS IN CERTAIN COUNTIES Sec. 822.151. APPLICABILITY. This subchapter applies only to a county with a population of less than 50,000 that is: (1) located in a metropolitan statistical area as defined by the federal Office of Management and Budget with a population of more than two million; and (2) adjacent to another metropolitan statistical area as defined by the federal Office of Management and Budget with a population of more than two million. Sec. 822.152. ORDER TO MICROCHIP. (a) The commissioners court of a county may adopt an order requiring each dog regularly located in the county that is owned by a county resident to be microchipped. The order must specify: (1) the time the owner has to microchip the dog after becoming the owner; (2) any exemption from the requirement to microchip, including any exemption for a dog temporarily located in the county or for a medical reason; and (3) any other matters the commissioners court finds appropriate. (b) If another political subdivision located in the county adopts a microchipping requirement with more stringent standards than the county standards, the political subdivision's standards control within the political subdivision. Sec. 822.153. CIVIL PENALTY. (a) A person who violates an order adopted under this subchapter is liable for a civil penalty of not more than $200. (b) The county attorney of the county in which the violation occurs may sue to collect a civil penalty. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.