Under current law, if an individual is convicted of a crime related to abusing animals and is sentenced to community supervision they are required to take a course on responsible pet ownership from a local animal shelter. If this law passes, a judge may require the person to complete a state approved, online responsible pet owner course instead.  

This bill would task the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation with establishing procedures for certification and administration of the course and and the course providers. They would be authorized to establish fees and other criteria related to the curriculum. 

If an individual has been convicted of a crime related to animal cruelty, it is well within the proper role of government to punish or rehabilitate the abusers. However, HB 162 has no discernible impact on our liberty principles therefore we will remain neutral.