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.