Legislation that would forbid horse tripping during rodeos in Oregon moved one step closer to becoming law this week when members of that state’s Senate passed the measure.

Horse tripping involves roping the legs of a galloping horse, causing it to fall to the ground. The practice has long been a part of rodeo competition in Mexico and at some traveling Mexican-style rodeos in the United States. California, Florida, Illinois, Maine, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas have all passed state statutes banning the practice. The Asociacion de Charros de la Loma, Inc., an organization dedicated to preserving the Mexican culture known as Charreria has opposed legislation that forbids horse tripping.

Co-sponsored by Oregon Senators Bill Hansell and Mark Hass, the bipartisan SB 835 would ban horse tripping in that state. If the bill becomes law, violators could face penalties of up to six months imprisonment and up to $2,500 in fines for each misdemeanor offense. The bill also formally permits the conduct of or participation in rodeo events in the state and places those events on a par with other sporting events that take place in the state.

On April 16, the Oregon Senate passed SB 835 by a vote of 22-6