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 initiative. Key changes include the addition of provisions allowing for the use of electronic methods for recording livestock identification, such as earmarks, brands, tattoos, and other accepted identification methods. The county clerks will be required to maintain electronic records of these marks and brands and to deliver electronic copies to the Texas Animal Health Commission. Additionally, the bill allows for the electronic filing of livestock identification and mandates that individuals must have their marks and brands recorded or rerecorded every ten years.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new subchapter that outlines the creation of a publicly accessible electronic registry on the Texas Animal Health Commission's website. This registry will not disclose personal identifying information to the public but will allow law enforcement access to such information for investigative purposes. The bill also clarifies that individuals who have recorded a mark or brand for an animal are presumed to control that animal. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with the Texas Animal Health Commission tasked with implementing the necessary rules and procedures following the bill's passage.

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)