NASHVILLE (AP) - A Tennessee attorney general's opinion says a legislative proposal to require large deposits before people could mount a legal challenge to a horse slaughterhouse is constitutionally suspect.

The bill sponsored by Rep. Andy Holt would require a bond equal to 20 percent of the worth of a horse slaughterhouse or processing plant from anyone filing a lawsuit against the facility.

The Dresden Republican's bill seeks to encourage the practice of slaughtering horses in Tennessee.

Attorney General Bob Cooper writes in the opinion requested by Democratic Rep. Johnny Shaw of Bolivar that measure would conflict with state constitutional provisions forbidding "unreasonable and arbitrary barriers" to using the courts to settle disputes.

The bill is scheduled for a full House vote on Monday.