SRC-AAA H.B. 1577 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1577
By: Uher (Armbrister)
Finance
4-22-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, veterinary fines collected by the Texas State Board of
Veterinary Medical Examiners go directly to the general revenue fund.
Some people would like to see these fines be used for the benefit of peer
assistance programs.  This bill would earmark veterinary fines collected
by the  Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners for the peer
assistance program for licensed veterinarians. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1577 earmarks veterinary fines collected by the  Texas
State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners for the peer assistance
program for licensed veterinarians. 

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 Article 8890, V.T.C.S., (The Veterinary Licensing Act),
by adding Section 8A, as follows: 

Sec. 8A. Requires the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
(board) to establish or approve a peer assistance program for persons
licensed under this Act.  Sets forth compliance requirements and funding
of the program. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 14B(r), Article 8890, V.T.C.S., to require the
board to remit a certain penalty collected to the general revenue fund to
the credit of the peer assistance appropriation. Provides that penalties
are to be used for the peer assistance program.  Requires the comptroller
to transfer unobligated and unexpended amounts in the account to the
undedicated portion of the general revenue fund. 

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4. Emergency clause.