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House Bill 2543 |
House Author: Kolkhorst |
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Effective: See below |
Senate Sponsor: Ellis |
House Bill 2543 amends the Agriculture Code to continue the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) until September 1, 2019. It requires the TAHC to comply with and implement certain management actions adopted by the Sunset Advisory Commission and to report to the commission on that topic by specified deadlines. The bill updates and revises various statutes reflecting across-the-board sunset provisions. It makes multiple changes extending or clarifying TAHC's jurisdiction to include exotic livestock, domestic fowl, and exotic fowl, as well as other livestock. Such changes include those relating to animal carcass disposal. The bill replaces statutory requirements for burying or burning carcasses with provisions giving the TAHC discretion to determine the most effective methods of disposal. It amends the Water Code to make conforming changes. The bill allows the TAHC to act to eradicate or control any disease or agent for disease transmission affecting animals under its jurisdiction, even if the agent of transmission is an animal species that is not subject to its jurisdiction. Related provisions provide for collaboration and noninterference with the authority of other state agencies such as the Parks and Wildlife Department. The bill authorizes the TAHC to register feral swine holding facilities and to regulate movements of feral swine. Other new provisions allow the TAHC to quarantine livestock, exotic livestock, domestic fowl, or exotic fowl and to prepare and plan for, respond to, and aid in the recovery from disaster events that may affect those animals. The bill requires the TAHC and the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to conduct a joint study regarding Texas' current and future capacity to perform disease testing during an animal disease outbreak or emergency. A report is due not later than December 31, 2008. The joint study portion of the bill takes effect June 15, 2007. The portions relating to animal carcass disposal take effect January 1, 2008, except that the TAHC may adopt rules as soon as practicable after the September 1, 2007, effective date applicable to the rest of the bill.