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HB4540 - 104th General Assembly
POSSESSION DISPUTES-PETS
Last Action
House Sponsors
Rep. Barbara Hernandez, Dagmara Avelar, Justin Cochran, Edgar González, Jr., Aarón M. Ortíz, Anne Stava and Norma HernandezStatutes Amended In Order of Appearance
New Act
Synopsis As Introduced
Creates the Companion Animal Custody Equity Act. Provides that in a possession dispute involving a companion animal, a court may consider the well-being of the companion animal regardless of the marital status of the parties. "Companion animal" means a domesticated dog or cat that resides in a household. Authorizes the court to issue temporary possession or caregiving orders, including limited visitation, if necessary to reduce stress or disruption to the companion animal. Provides that for companion animals 10 years of age or older, courts may give additional consideration to factors including continuity of environment, emotional stability, stress minimization, and maintenance of established routines. Provides that a court may, if appropriate, order mediation between the parties to resolve issues related to companion animal possession.
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1/22/2026 | House | Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Barbara Hernandez |
| 1/30/2026 | House | First Reading |
| 1/30/2026 | House | Referred to Rules Committee |
| 2/11/2026 | House | Assigned to Judiciary - Civil Committee |
| 3/25/2026 | House | Do Pass / Short Debate Judiciary - Civil Committee; 013-007-000 |
| 3/25/2026 | House | Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate |
| 4/06/2026 | House | Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Dagmara Avelar |
| 4/07/2026 | House | House Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Barbara Hernandez |
| 4/07/2026 | House | House Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee |
| 4/08/2026 | House | House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Judiciary - Civil Committee |
| 4/08/2026 | House | House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Judiciary - Civil Committee; 013-007-000 |
| 4/09/2026 | House | Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Justin Cochran |
| 4/09/2026 | House | Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Edgar González, Jr. |
| 4/09/2026 | House | Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Aarón M. Ortíz |
| 4/09/2026 | House | Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Anne Stava |
| 4/09/2026 | House | Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Norma Hernandez |
| 4/10/2026 | House | Second Reading - Short Debate |
| 4/10/2026 | House | Held on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Short Debate |