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.