Apr
26
Written by:
Mark Lavergne
4/26/2011 5:25 PM
Today the House passed on second reading HB 1451, a bill that would create more regulation of "puppy mills" in the state. It had some 44 no votes, which was more opposition than appeared to exist last week, when one representative took to the back mike to delay the bill's passage.
On April 21, the bill came before the House on the Local and Consent Calendar. Rep. David Simpson (R-Longview) opposed it, saying it would add 14 full-time equivalents to state government and force fees onto certain dog and cat owners in the state.
His opposition led to prominent House members Jim Keffer (R-Eastland) and Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston) accusing him of "impugning the integrity" of House members, particularly the Local and Consent Calendars Committee.
Under the bill, owners of 11 or more breeding dogs or cats require a person to register with the state, and require the commission to charge fees against the breeders necessary to pay for the law's enforcement.
The 44 no votes were mostly rural Republicans, although a couple rural ones and one Democrat, Tracy King (D-Batesville) also voted no.