Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes | Positive | Positive | Positive | Positive | Positive |
Relating to the regulation of dangerous wild animals.
SB 931, if passed, would make two changes to the Health and
Safety Code regarding dangerous wild animals (Section 822.102). One change,
purely clerical, is to change referenced to the American Zoo and Aquarium
Association to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (the organization recently
changed its name). The second, more substantive change, is to include the
Zoological Association of America in the list of exempted organizations under
this section.
Currently, there are twelve parties which are exempted from
the provisions to register with municipalities and other local authorities
regarding dangerous wild animals. The substantive portion of SB 931 would add
the Zoological Association of America to this list.
We believe that regulatory regimes (independent of whether
they should exist in the first place) should be as amenable as possible. SB 931
is a step in that direction which would allow individuals and organization to
more easily apply for exemptions from the regulatory regime. Notably, this is
not a loophole to ignore responsibility. The Zoological Association of America
still bears responsibility from its members for compliance. Due to its
loosening of the regulatory regime and its supporting freer markets, we support
SB 987.