SB 503 Texas Senate · 89th Legislature (2025)

Relating to the establishment of an electronic registry of livestock marks and brands.

SB 503 requires Texas livestock owners (cattle, hogs, sheep, goats) to register their animal identification marks - such as brands, tattoos, or electronic tags - electronically with county clerks. County clerks must maintain these records electronically and send copies to the Texas Animal Health Commission within 30 days of receipt. The bill updates existing law to mandate electronic record-keeping instead of paper, specifying details like the date of registration and placement location on animals. This law takes effect September 1, 2025, directly impacting all livestock owners who must comply with the new registration system.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Nov 2024
Committee Review
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Signed into Law
May 2025
Introduced Nov 25, 2024 Signed May 3, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Engrossed Enrolled · 6 edits · May 3, 2025
MODERATE
This bill establishes an electronic registry for livestock marks and brands in Texas, replacing or supplementing traditional physical identification methods. The changes modernize the system by allowing electronic devices and digital identification alongside traditional earmarks and brands, creating a searchable public registry managed by the Texas Animal Health Commission. The bill also updates related sections to accommodate electronic filing and record delivery to state agencies.
Scope change
The bill expands the scope of acceptable livestock identification methods to include electronic devices and digital identification, and creates a new electronic registry system for marks and brands.
REQUIREMENT

Establishes a new electronic registry system for livestock marks and brands under Subchapter D of Chapter 144, Agriculture Code.

Mandates that county clerks deliver electronic copies of livestock records to the Texas Animal Health Commission within 30 days of receipt.

ELIGIBILITY

Updates the definition of acceptable identification methods to include electronic devices and other generally accepted digital identification methods alongside traditional earmarks, brands, and tattoos.

ENFORCEMENT

Requires the Texas Animal Health Commission to establish a process for law enforcement to access personal identifying information associated with recorded marks or brands.

TECHNICAL

Requires the commission to adopt rules for electronic recording methods and procedures for county clerks to deliver electronic records.

DEFINITION

Adds new definitions and procedures for electronic registry management, including rules for public access limitations and law enforcement access protocols.

Floor votes · House Apr 15, 2025

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
50
Key actions
15
Committee
10
May 3, 2025
Signed into law
Signed by the Governor
executive
Apr 23, 2025
Lower · Passed
Signed in the House
lower
Apr 22, 2025
Upper · Passed
Signed in the Senate
upper
Apr 16, 2025
Upper · Passed
House passage reported
upper
Apr 16, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed
lower
Apr 15, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report sent to Calendars
lower
Apr 15, 2025
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (130-13-2)
house
Apr 14, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report distributed
lower
Apr 14, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)
lower
Apr 9, 2025
Committee
Referred to Agriculture & Livestock
lower
Apr 9, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
Apr 2, 2025
Introduced
Received from the Senate
lower
Apr 1, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed
upper
Mar 25, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee report printed and distributed
upper
Mar 25, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported favorably w/o amendments
upper
Mar 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
Vote taken in committee
upper
Feb 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
Left pending in committee
upper
Feb 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
Testimony taken in committee
upper
Feb 3, 2025
Committee
Referred to Water, Agriculture, & Rural Affairs
upper
Feb 3, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
upper
6 primary · 8 co-sponsors

Sponsors