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HB 4776

Relating to a central database containing information about persons who have been convicted of or received a grant of deferred adjudication community supervision after pleading guilty for certain offenses involving animal cruelty; creating a criminal offense.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Claudia Ordaz

Texas bill creates statewide database tracking people convicted or receiving deferred adjudication for animal cruelty, establishing a registry system to monitor offenders.

Referred to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
#animals(i0035) #criminaljustice #texasdepartmentof(v8788) #crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #criminalprocedure--general(i0208) #deferredadjudication(s6185) #electronicinformationsystems(i0311) #jailstandards #commissionon(v9946) #mandatory&communitysupervision(s2314) #pardons&paroles #boardof(v6037) #publicsafety #departmentof(v0251) #recidivism&repeatoffenders(s4348)
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Bill Summary · HB 4776

Legislative bill overview

HB 4776 would establish a centralized database in Texas to track individuals convicted of or granted deferred adjudication for animal cruelty offenses. The bill also creates a new criminal offense, though the specific offense details are not provided in the available information. This creates a registry system similar to those used for sex offenders or other designated offender categories.

Why is this important

Animal cruelty registries aim to prevent repeat offenses by creating a searchable record accessible to law enforcement and potentially the public. Proponents argue this protects vulnerable animals by identifying and monitoring individuals with documented histories of animal abuse. The registry could inform adoption agencies, landlords, and others making decisions about individuals' access to animals or animal-related environments.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and rehabilitation concerns: Critics may argue that permanent public registries create stigmatization that hinders offender rehabilitation and reintegration, raising constitutional due process questions
  • Scope and proportionality: Defining which animal cruelty offenses warrant inclusion is contentious—misdemeanor cases versus felonies, and whether deferred adjudication (which doesn't result in conviction) should be treated identically
  • Database administration and costs: Questions about who maintains the registry, funding requirements, data accuracy standards, and potential liability for errors or unauthorized access

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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