TO:	Honorable Oscar Longoria, Chair, House Committee on Business & Industry
FROM:	Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB3563 by Cain (Relating to the source of dogs and cats sold by pet stores; providing a civil penalty.), As Introduced

The bill would amend Title 6, Business and Commerce Code, prohibiting pet stores from selling a cat or dog that was not obtained through an animal control agency, shelter, rescue organization, or a qualified breeder. The bill lists certain qualifications for breeders, and requires that pet store owners verify these qualifications and maintain records documenting the source from which each cat or dog was obtained.A pet store that violates the provisions of the bill would be liable for a civil penalty of up to $500 for each cat or dog sold. There could be an indeterminate revenue gain from civil penalties imposed, but according to the Comptroller, the amount would be minimal. OAG assumes that any legal costs associated with the bill could be absorbed using existing resources.

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.