S.B. No. 503 establishes an electronic registry for livestock marks and brands in Texas, amending various sections of the Agriculture Code. The bill allows livestock owners to use a variety of identification methods, including earmarks, brands, tattoos, and electronic devices, and mandates that these be recorded with the county clerk. The county clerk is required to maintain an electronic record of these marks and brands and to deliver an electronic copy of the records to the Texas Animal Health Commission within 30 days of receipt. Additionally, the bill introduces a new subchapter that outlines the creation of a publicly accessible electronic registry, which will not disclose personal identifying information to the public but will allow law enforcement access to such information for official purposes.

Key amendments include the requirement for livestock owners to record their identification methods with the county clerk, the establishment of an electronic registry by the Texas Animal Health Commission, and the provision for electronic filing of marks and brands. The bill also clarifies that a person is presumed to control an animal if they have recorded a mark or brand for it. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and the Texas Animal Health Commission is tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement these changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Agriculture Code 144.001, Agriculture Code 144.041, Agriculture Code 144.042, Agriculture Code 144.044, Agriculture Code 161.002 (Agriculture Code 144, Agriculture Code 161)
Senate Committee Report: Agriculture Code 144.001, Agriculture Code 144.041, Agriculture Code 144.042, Agriculture Code 144.044, Agriculture Code 161.002 (Agriculture Code 144, Agriculture Code 161)
Engrossed: Agriculture Code 144.001, Agriculture Code 144.041, Agriculture Code 144.042, Agriculture Code 144.044, Agriculture Code 161.002 (Agriculture Code 144, Agriculture Code 161)
House Committee Report: Agriculture Code 144.001, Agriculture Code 144.041, Agriculture Code 144.042, Agriculture Code 144.044, Agriculture Code 161.002 (Agriculture Code 144, Agriculture Code 161)
Enrolled: Agriculture Code 144.001, Agriculture Code 144.041, Agriculture Code 144.042, Agriculture Code 144.044, Agriculture Code 161.002 (Agriculture Code 144, Agriculture Code 161)