HBA-JRA H.B. 1732 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1732
By: Crownover
Agriculture & Livestock
6/24/1999
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Prior to the 76th Legislature, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC)
required all horses changing ownership in Texas to test negative for equine
infectious anemia within the previous twelve months, except for horses sold
at auction.  H.B. 1732 requires an equine animals changing ownership in
Texas to have a negative test for equine infectious anemia within the
previous twelve months regardless of where or to whom the animal is sold. 

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 Subchapter H, Chapter 161, Agriculture Code, by adding
Section 161.149, as follows: 

Sec. 161.149.  TEST FOR EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA.  Provides that an "equine
animal" includes horses, mules, asses, ponies, and other members of the
horse family, but not zebras.  Provides that a person commits a Class C
misdemeanor if the person transfers ownership of an equine animal eight
months of age or older that has not tested negative for equine infectious
anemia during the twelve months preceding the date of the transfer, unless
it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant has been
previously convicted under this section, in which event it is a Class B
misdemeanor.  Provides an exception for an equine animal that is a foal
being nursed by a dam that has tested negative during the twelve months
preceding the date of the transfer and is being transferred with the foal
and for an equine animal that is being transferred directly to a slaughter
establishment where it will be tested for equine infectious anemia. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.