HBA-BSM H.B. 473 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 473 By: Turner, Bob Agriculture & Livestock 3/19/2001 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Anhydrous ammonia, normally used as an agricultural fertilizer and refrigerant, is used as a key ingredient in methamphetamine production. Current law provides that possession or transport of anhydrous ammonia or use, transfer, or tampering with equipment designed to hold anhydrous ammonia is a state jail felony. In addition to contributing to the illegal production of a controlled substance that can pose a serious threat to public health and safety, the theft of anhydrous ammonia can cause damage to farm equipment and blind as well as cause lung damage to a person who mishandles it. House Bill 473 changes the classification for an offense concerning anhydrous ammonia from a state jail felony to a felony of the third degree. 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. ANALYSIS House Bill 473 amends the Health and Safety Code to change the classification for an offense concerning anhydrous ammonia from a state jail felony to a felony of the third degree. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.