By Julie Tomascik
Editor

A pair of proposed bills in the Texas Legislature aim to modernize the state’s livestock brand registration.

If passed, HB 1417 and SB 503 would require all county clerk’s offices to record livestock marks or brands in an electronic registration system. The county clerks, in turn, would work with the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) to maintain a statewide electronic database of registered brands.

“This shift from paper records to digital entries is designed to simplify brand registration and enhance law enforcement’s ability to resolve cases of livestock theft or disputes over ownership,” Charlie Leal, Texas Farm Bureau state legislative director, said.

The current process for registering livestock brands varies across Texas counties. Law enforcement also doesn’t have easy access to a brand database, which can lead to confusion or difficulties when determining ownership of stray or stolen livestock.

The proposed bills, Leal noted, would amend the Texas Agriculture Code, Chapter 133, to address these issues by creating a centralized and accessible registry for ranchers and law enforcement.

“HB 1417 and SB 503 would modernize a critical aspect of the cattle industry in Texas, which is home to 12.2 million cattle,” Leal said.

All earmarks, brands, tattoos, electronic IDs and other generally accepted identification methods would be kept in the digital database.

State law requires ranchers to re-register their livestock brand every 10 years. These bills would not alter that.

Texas Farm Bureau supports the bills, which were authored by Rep. Ryan Guillen and Sen. Charles Perry.

Read the bill text for HB 1417.

Read the bill text for SB 503.

Read the latest on ag-related bills with TFB’s Austin Newsletter. The weekly legislative recap is delivered straight to your inbox on Friday. TFB members can sign up here.