Happy New Year, Equine Law Blog readers! Here's to the hope that you and yours find all opportunities for joy and happiness, as well as prosperity in abundance in 2012.
2011 brought a number of significant legal events / changes that will affect many people involved in the Texas horse industry. The "Top Seven of 2011" (it rhymes!), are as follows:
1. The Texas Supreme Court decided a case involving the Texas Equine Limitation of Liability Act.
- Loftin vs. Lee was the case. The opinion was handed down on on April 29, 2011.
- The Supreme Court upheld the defendant's immunity pursuant to the Act.
- This was the first time the Texas Supreme Court has taken up a case concerning the scope of the Act.
- Related blog post
2. The Texas Legislature expanded the immunities provided under the Texas Equine Limitation of Liability Act to cover all farm animals and expanded immunity to cover veterinarians.
- Governor Perry singned the bill into law on June 17, 2011, and it became effective immediately upon signing.
- Warning signs should be updated to reflect the new law.
- The new law is called the Texas Farm Animal Limitation of Liability Act.
- Related blog posts can be found here and here.
3. The Texas Legislature passed a new sales tax exemption certificate requirement for the purchase of tax-exempt agricultural goods.
- The bill was passed during 2011 legislative session, but first became effective on January 1, 2012.
- All persons purchasing tax-exempt ag supplies must now apply for a registration number with the Texas Comptroller.
- Horse and feed sales are still exempt without a number, but some training and boarding businesses may not qualify for a registration number that is now required to purchase other goods.
- Related blog post.
4. The Texas Legislature passed a bill affecting equine dentistry.
- There is (as of September 1, 2011) a licensing requirement for lay dentists in Texas.
- Related blog posts can be found here and here.
5. Congress and President Obama passed a budget bill that removed ban on federal funding of horse slaughter inspectors.
- Bill was signed by the President on November 18, 2011.
- Horse slaughter is, by virtue of this bill, again a possibility in some U.S. states.
- Related blog post.
6. 100% Bonus Depreciation ended on December 31, 2011
- Some believe this tax benefit caused a surge in sales for yearling markets last year.
- For new goods or qualified horses purchased on January 1, 2012 and after, 50% bonus depreciation will be available instead of the 100% rate that was available in 2011.
- Related blog post.
7. New medication rules were adopted by a number of horse organizations
- Performance and race horse medications were a hot topic in 2011. Among other organizations, the Breeders' Cup decided to phase out the use of Lasix, and NRHA initiated random testing protocols and adopted a new medications rule in 2011.
- Related blog posts can be found here and here.
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