TX SB503

Texas Animal Health Commission must establish and maintain a publicly searchable electronic registry of livestock marks and brands on its website, with personal identifying information hidden from the general public but accessible to law enforcement

County clerks are now required (changed from optional) to accept electronic filing of earmarks, brands, tattoos, electronic devices, and other identification methods, and must keep electronic records and deliver copies to the Commission within 30 days

Livestock identification methods are expanded to include "other generally accepted identification methods" in addition to earmarks, brands, tattoos, and electronic devices for cattle, hogs, sheep, and goats

The mandatory 10-year rerecording period for marks and brands is reset to begin September 1, 2031 (previously based on 1981 cycle), requiring all livestock owners to record or rerecord with county clerks within six months of that date

Livestock owners may now authorize an agent in writing to record marks and brands on their behalf, and persons who have recorded a mark or brand are presumed to control the animal as a caretaker under animal health regulations