Bill Caption

Fiscal Notes

Bill Analysis

Summary: This legislation adds animal care and control and water conservation measures, including watering restrictions, to a list of offenses in which a municipality can bring civil suit carrying a punishment of a misdemeanor and a fine. 

Analysis: After further review, we are revising our recommendation from oppose to neutral. Currently animal care and control, and matters relating to water conservation measures and watering restrictions, are matters that a municipality can remedy through the criminal court system. This bill would deal with such violations in civil court, removing the possibility of incarceration for things such as loose dogs or watering on non-watering days. This may save the public funds in the long run and modestly relieve the burden on our criminal justice system.