The bill, known as S.B. No. 1978, relates to the punishment for theft of livestock and increasing the criminal penalty for such offenses. The bill introduces a fee of $20 to be paid by anyone convicted of theft of cattle, horses, exotic livestock, exotic fowl, sheep, swine, or goats. The collected fee will be used for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and their special rangers.
In addition, the bill amends various sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure and Penal Code to specify the criminal penalties for theft of livestock, including different classes of misdemeanors and felonies depending on the value of the stolen property or the number of animals stolen. The bill also defines terms such as "exotic livestock" and "exotic fowl" and clarifies the ownership of such animals.
The changes introduced by this Act will apply to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2017. Any offenses committed before this date will be governed by the previous laws. The bill is aimed at deterring theft of livestock and ensuring appropriate penalties for such crimes.