SRC-ARR H.B. 1975 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1975
By: Swinford (Bivens)
Natural Resources
5/3/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

During the 73rd Legislature, legislation was adopted to prevent livestock
producers from paying higher costs for animal health products due to
unnecessary labeling requirements for veterinarians or wholesale animal
drug distributors. During the 75th Legislature, the language was
inadvertently removed due to a misunderstanding of the federal labeling
requirements. H.B. 1975 reinstates the earlier language to exempt dangerous
drugs prescribed or dispensed in certain specified circumstances from
certain labeling requirements if all federal requirements are met. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1975 sets forth the labeling requirements for drugs
prescribed or dispensed for administration to animals in agricultural
operations.   

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 Section 483.042, Health and Safety Code, by adding
Subsection (f), to provide that the labeling provisions of Subsection (a)
do not apply to a dangerous drug prescribed or dispensed for administration
to food production animals in an agricultural operation under a written
medical directive or treatment guideline from a veterinarian licensed under
the Veterinary Licensing Act, provided that all federal requirements are
met. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.