AUSTIN, Texas – A widely anticipated bill to change dangerous dog laws in Texas faced its first test today.
San Antonio Rep. John Lujan’s HB 2806 was debated in the House Public Health Committee. It was left pending so lawmakers could continue to work on it.
This bill has the same big ideas we’ve seen in the past, including holding owners accountable by upping the penalty if their dog attacks someone.
It also allows you to anonymously fill out an affidavit for a dangerous dog, which is necessary to launch an investigation. Lawmakers hope this will lead more people to report neighbors whose dogs consistently escape from their property without fear of retaliation.
BILL TRACKER: San Antonio lawmakers push for stricter dangerous dog laws
If the bill passes, it will be known as the Ramon Najera Act, in honor of the elderly man who was mauled and killed back in 2023.
“These aren’t unfortunate accidents. they are preventable tragedies,” Lujan told the committee.
He met with Gov. Abbott’s team to find out why the Najera Act was vetoed last year, and those changes are reflected in this bill.
But there are some notable changes in the newest version of the legislation.
There was a section removed that would have targeted people who continually raise vicious animals. It would have barred people from owning dogs if they had multiple dangerous dog convictions.
It also allows—but does not require—animal control authorities to report attacks if a victim doesn’t choose to pursue charges, in certain situations.
That section will be specifically bracketed to Bexar County, according to the committee substitute version of the bill.
Brad Davenport of San Antonio Animal Care Services testified on the bill in Austin.
“Although the State of Texas has good dangerous dog laws, this bill would help enhance existing law and provide methods to prevent and significantly reduce future attacks,” Davenport said. “We would be able to designate a dog as dangerous without having to receive an affidavit from a witness or victim.”
The push comes after several high-profile incidents, including the death of 1-year-old Jiriyah Johnson in October and the fatal mauling of Ramon Najera in 2023.
Governor Greg Abbott previously vetoed the Ramon Najera Act, arguing that existing state penalties for irresponsible dog owners were sufficient. However, local legislators are determined to revisit the issue, citing ongoing public safety concerns.
Lujan’s bill was the first among the dangerous dog legislation to be scheduled for a committee hearing.
You can track the rest of the bills here.
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