Texas bill filings have ended, no BSL filed

[StopBSL]

Bill filing wrapped up on March 11, and breed-specific legislation was
not filed. Considering legislative history and the major pro-BSL media
push that took place, the fact that BSL was not filed comes as a
pleasant surprise.

However, the content of filed bills may change at several points
during the legislative process. If the bill topic is germane
(relevant) to animal control or dog control, breed-specific language
could be inserted. Revisions and
amendments may be made by the bill author or by another legislator. It
may happen while the bill is in committee, or it may happen while the
bill is being debated on the floor of the House or Senate.

Expect many of these bills to die in committee. But a few may pass
committee and move to the floor for debate and vote. Due to the fast
pace of debate and amendment that takes place during floor debates, be
aware that our ability to notify you of breed-specific amendments
becomes somewhat limited during that stage. Sometimes there's just no
time to gather opposition. Legislators who oppose BSL can step in to
strike down breed-specific amendments. That is why it is important to
let your own legislators know that you oppose BSL--so they may act to
protect your values should the need arise.

If you have any questions about the current status of Texas
legislation as it pertains to BSL, please feel free to send me an
email. I will continue to monitor legislative actions until the end of
the session in June.

Regardless of whether we see BSL during this legislative session, I
hope you will continue to be a member of Texans Against BSL. We do
occasionally have cities in Texas that consider BSL (such as Van), and
currently, there is one city with BSL in place (Garland, taking
advantage of an apparent loophole in state law that we hope to
eventually close). This list will receive notification of any known
BSL-related activity in Texas.

Thanks again for your continued active participation and interest,
which has contributed greatly to the absence of proposed BSL during
this legislative session! And hopefully will result in no BSL in Texas
for many years to come.

Jennifer Thomas
Texans Against BSL, groups.google.com/group/texans-against-bsl/
StopBSL, www.stopbsl.com