SRC-AXB H.B. 426 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 426 By: Turner, Bob (Haywood) Natural Resources 5/14/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, the executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission (commission) is not statutorily required to have a degree in veterinary medicine. However, the current mission of the commission is to identify, prevent, diagnose, control, and eradicate diseases and conditions that affect livestock, poultry, and exotic animals. This mission gives the position of executive director a significant scientific dimension requiring specialized education in veterinary medicine. H.B. 426 requires the Texas Animal Health Commission executive director to hold a degree in veterinary medicine. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 426 requires the Texas Animal Health Commission executive director to hold a degree in veterinary medicine. 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 Chapter 161B, Agriculture Code, by adding Section 161.0305, as follows: Sec. 161.0305. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; QUALIFICATIONS. Requires the executive director to hold a degree in veterinary medicine. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.