1. (a) The governing body of a state agency or political subdivision may enter into a contract with a person for the transfer of a law enforcement dog, horse, or other animal that has been determined by the applicable head of a law enforcement agency or that person's designee to be:

   1. (1) suitable for transfer, after consulting with the animal's veterinarian, handlers, and other caretakers; and

   2. (2) surplus to the needs of the state agency or political subdivision because the animal is:

      1. (A) at the end of the animal's working life; or

      2. (B) subject to circumstances that justify making the animal available for transfer before the end of the animal's working life, including:

         1. (i) the death of the animal's handler in the line of duty or as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty; or
         2. (ii) the medical retirement of the animal's handler as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty.
2. (b) The head of a state law enforcement agency may execute a contract under this subchapter on behalf of the state agency.

Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 36 (S.B. 2100), Sec. 1, eff. May 14, 2019.