HBA-ALS H.B. 1243 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1243
By: Crownover
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
3/30/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The Texas Racing Commission (commission) was created in 1986 under the
Texas Racing Act.  The original Act required the commission to consist of
eight appointed members, two of whom were required to be licensed
veterinarians, with one of the veterinarians specializing in the treatment
of small animals and one specializing in large animals. Veterinarians were
included on the commission to evaluate the extent to which a rule might
affect the health of the animals.  In 1997, changes were made to the Act
following the commission's sunset review which removed the requirement that
two commissioners be licensed veterinarians. H.B. 1243 requires that at
least one member of the commission be a licensed veterinarian. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 2.05(a), Texas Racing Act, Article 179e,
V.T.C.S., to provide that three, rather than four, members of the Texas
Racing Commission (commission) must be representatives of the general
public who have general knowledge of business or agribusiness.  Adds
language providing that one additional appointed member must be a
veterinarian. Makes nonsubstantive changes. 

SECTION 2.Effective date: September 1, 1999. 
Makes application of this Act prospective. Requires the governor to appoint
a veterinarian to the commission pursuant to Section 2.05, as amended by
this Act, to fill the next vacancy of a position representing the general
public which occurs after the effective date of this Act. 

SECTION 3.Emergency clause.