SRC-TNM H.B. 404 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 404
By: West (Duncan)
Intergovernmental Relations
4-28-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, Section 146.052, Agriculture Code, provides for the office of
county inspector of hides and animals in several named counties, including
Ector County.  The inspector records the characteristics of each hide from
a slaughtered animal, and files this information with the county clerk's
office.  The sheriff of the county assumes the duties of the inspector if
the office of inspector is vacant or abolished.  H.B. 404 would abolish
the office of inspector of hides and animals for Ector County. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 404 outlines provisions regarding the abolition of the
office of inspector of hides and animals of Ector County. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 146.052(a), Agriculture Code, to delete text
providing that this subchapter applies to Ector County. 

SECTION 2. (a) Requires the commissioners court of Ector County to hold an
election in the county on November 3, 1998.  Requires ballots at the
election to permit voting for or against the abolition of the office of
inspector of hides and animals in Ector County. 
 
(b) Provides that promptly after the official canvass of the election
returns is announced, the county officer responsible for conducting
elections in the county shall send to the secretary of state, for
publication in the Texas Register, a notice describing the outcome of the
election. 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997, except as provided by
Subsection (b) of this section. 

(b) Provides that SECTION  1 of this Act takes effect January 1, 1999, but
only if at the election held under SECTION 2 of this Act a majority of the
votes cast favor the abolition of the office of inspector of hides and
animals of Ector County.  Provides that if less than a majority of the
votes cast favor the abolition of the office, SECTION 1 of this Act has no
effect. 

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.