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.