Senate OKs Austin-like dogs bill

The Texas Senate Tuesday approved a bill that would let restaurants across Texas admit patrons and their dogs to outdoor areas — a measure based on a 2006 Austin ordinance.

Sen. Kelly Hancock, the Republican author of Senate Bill 476, told senators that he believed it was his first bill to mirror action taken by Austin, a liberal city that is more likely to draw GOP ire for its policies.

"A good idea is a good idea," Hancock said.

Like Austin's rules, SB 476 would let patrons bring dogs to sidewalk cafes and patios, as long as the pets can get there without walking through the restaurant interior, the dog stays on a leash and doesn’t sit in a chair, and no food is prepared on the patio.

Hancock's bill would also overturn city regulations that impose more stringent rules on dog-friendly restaurants.

The bill was sent to the House on a 30-1 vote.

Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, was the "no" vote, saying he was taking a stand for local control and against state efforts to tell cities how to handle their business.