H.B. No. 285 amends Section 42.092 of the Penal Code regarding the prosecution of cruelty to nonlivestock animals. The bill expands the criteria for committing an offense by including actions taken with "criminal negligence" alongside the existing standards of intentional, knowing, or reckless behavior. Additionally, it introduces a new subsection (d-1) that provides a defense to prosecution for alleged criminal negligence if the conduct occurred while the individual was performing their duties as a licensed veterinarian or assisting a veterinarian.

The changes made by this Act will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Offenses occurring before this date will continue to be governed by the previous law. The bill was passed by both the House and Senate with significant support, indicating a strong legislative intent to enhance the protection of nonlivestock animals in Texas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 42.092 (Penal Code 42)
House Committee Report: Penal Code 42.092 (Penal Code 42)
Engrossed: Penal Code 42.092 (Penal Code 42)
Senate Committee Report: Penal Code 42.092 (Penal Code 42)
Enrolled: Penal Code 42.092 (Penal Code 42)