HBA-JRA H.B. 426 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 426
By: Turner, Bob
Agriculture & Livestock
7/15/1999
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Prior to the 76th Legislature, the executive director of the Texas Animal
Health Commission (commission) was not statutorily required to have a
degree in veterinary medicine.  However, the current mission of the
commission is to identify, prevent, diagnose, control, and eradicate
diseases and conditions that affect livestock, poultry, and exotic animals.
This mission gives the position of executive director a significant
scientific dimension requiring specialized education in veterinary
medicine.  H.B. 426 provides that the executive director of the Texas
Animal Health Commission must hold a degree in veterinary medicine.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 161, Agriculture Code, by adding
Section 161.0305, to provide that the executive director of the Texas
Animal Health Commission must hold a degree in veterinary medicine. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.