Now that the Texas House has adjourned, the cockfighting bill (HB 1320) is dead. It dies along with Senator John Whitmire's (D-Houston) highly publicized attempt to curb abuses in roadside asset seizures (read more about this amendment to the bill).
This is a surprising development in a bizarre legislative session, as both the cockfighting and seizure reform proposals enjoyed widespread support. However, just before midnight, the Austin Chronicle reported that HB 1320 was on the list of bills that Republicans had decided to register objections to. Midnight was the deadline for the House to pass bills.
A conference committee is gathered to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions filed its report, but it was only signed by 3 House and 3 Senate members instead of the required 5 from each chamber. Signers and non-signers did not break down along party lines. Parliamentary issue or partisan payback? If I find out you will read about it here.
For more info: Subscribe to find out when new articles (no more cockfighting once this session is over - well maybe one about the lawsuit in New Mexico, but after that, no more chicken stories).
Comments
Thanks for staying on top of these stories!
I read about that frivolous lawsuit in NM. Cockfighters are just ridiculous. I guess watching birds with knives on their legs hack each other to death warps the brain or something.
Sounds like the Texas legislature has some sense and didn't waste their time on stupid HSUS legislation. It's about time.
Good, at least my tax money isn't going to be wasted to pay chicken cops. What a waste of time and resourses.
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