Relating to a refundable adoption fee for the sterilization of dogs and cats; authorizing a fee.

89(R) HB 4819 - Introduced version - Bill Text

89R14323 MCF-F

By: Flores

H.B. No. 4819

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a refundable adoption fee for the sterilization of dogs

and cats; authorizing a fee.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 828.002, Health and Safety Code, is

amended to read as follows:

Sec. 828.002. REQUIREMENTS FOR ADOPTION.
(a)
Except as

provided by Section 828.013, a releasing agency may not release a

dog or cat for adoption unless
:

(1)
the animal has been sterilized
;
or

(2)
the release is made to a new owner who signs an

agreement to have the animal sterilized
and pays a refundable $75

fee
.

(b) The releasing agency shall:

(1)

collect the fee required under Subsection (a)(2)

from each new owner who adopts a dog or cat that is not sterilized;

and

(2)

refund the amount of the collected fee to an owner

who provides to the agency the letter required by Section 828.005

confirming the adopted dog or cat has been sterilized within the

time required by that section.

(c)

Each releasing agency shall remit to the comptroller all

fees not refunded under Subsection (b)(2) in accordance with the

times and methods prescribed by the comptroller.

The comptroller

shall deposit the fees to the credit of the account created by the

comptroller in the manner provided by Section 504.6012(b),

Transportation Code. Money deposited to that account may be used

only by the Department of State Health Services to award grants to

eligible organizations for the purpose of providing sterilization

services in accordance with Section 828.014.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.