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.