The bill proposes the establishment of an electronic registry for livestock marks and brands in Texas, amending various sections of the Agriculture Code to facilitate this process. Key amendments include allowing livestock owners to use electronic devices and other identification methods alongside traditional earmarks and brands. County clerks will be required to maintain electronic records of these marks and brands and deliver copies to the Texas Animal Health Commission. Additionally, the bill introduces a new subchapter that mandates the commission to create a publicly accessible electronic registry while ensuring that personal identifying information remains confidential.

The bill also outlines the responsibilities of county clerks in recording and managing these marks, including the option for electronic filing. It specifies that livestock owners must have their marks recorded or rerecorded every ten years, and it allows for agents to be authorized to record marks on behalf of the owners. The Texas Animal Health Commission is tasked with implementing the necessary rules and procedures to support the electronic registry, which is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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 161, Agriculture Code 144)
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 161, Agriculture Code 144)