SRC-HRD S.B. 1465 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1465
By: Brown
Natural Resources
3-18-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law requires veterinarians to report specific diseases to
the Texas Animal Health Commission (commission).  This bill would give the
commission the authority to adopt rules regarding these requirements, so
that in the event a disease not currently listed breaks out, the
commission would have the authority to test for the disease.   

The rate of indemnity, as determined by statute, that the commission pays
to an owner of tuberculosis-infected cattle is $35 and $70 for cattle and
purebred cattle, respectively.  This bill would allow the commission to
determine the rate of indemnity. 

This bill would also authorize the commission to require slaughter plants
to submit blood for testing for diseases other than bovine brucellosis;
and establishes a penalty for those facilities that do not comply.     

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1465 gives the Texas Animal Health Commission the
rulemaking authority regarding rates of indemnity and the testing of
diseases; authorizes the commission to require slaughter plants to collect
and submit blood samples and other diagnostic specimens for testing for
disease. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is granted to the Texas Animal Health Commission
under SECTIONS 1 and 2 (Sections 161.055 and 161.101, Agriculture Code) of
this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 161C, Agriculture Code, by adding Section
161.055, as follows: 

Sec. 161.055.  SLAUGHTER PLANT COLLECTION.  Authorizes the Texas Animal
Health Commission (commission) to require slaughter plants to collect and
submit blood samples and other diagnostic specimens for testing for
disease.  Requires the commission, by rule, to determine the method of
collecting, submitting, and testing of blood samples and other diagnostic
specimens.  Provides that the owner or operator of a slaughter plant
commits a Class C misdemeanor, except under certain circumstances, if the
slaughter plants fails to comply with this section or a rule adopted under
this section. 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 161.101, Agriculture Code, to authorize the
commission to adopt rules, following notice and public hearing, requiring
veterinarians to report the existence of specified diseases among
livestock, exotic livestock, domestic fowl, or exotic fowl.  Authorizes
the commission to establish when the report is to be made and what
information is to be provided. Deletes Subsections (a)-(c) regarding the
reporting of disease and related information. 

SECTION 3. Amends Section 161.145, Agriculture Code, to provide that a
person commits a Class B misdemeanor if, as veterinarian, the person
wilfully fails to comply with a rule adopted pursuant to Subchapter F.   

 SECTION 4. Amends Chapter 161C, Agriculture Code by amending Section
162.008, to authorize the commission to pay an indemnity to the owner of
cattle exposed to or infected with tuberculosis if the commission
considers it necessary to eradicate disease.  Authorizes the commission to
adopt rules for the implementation of this section, including rules for
determining eligibility for compensation.  Deletes Subsections (a)-(e)
regarding compensation.   

SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 6. Emergency clause.