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


Senate Research CenterH.B. 1975
By: Swinford (Bivens)
Natural Resources
5/5/1999
Committee Report (Amended)


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 sets forth the labeling requirements for drugs
prescribed or dispensed for administration to animals in agricultural
operations.   

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 483.001(2), Health and Safety Code, to redefine
"dangerous drug." 

SECTION 2. 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 3. Amends Sections 5(15) and (41), Article 4542a-1, V.T.C.S. (Texas
Pharmacy Act), to redefine "dangerous drug" and "prescription drug." 

SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 5. Emergency clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1. 

Adds a new SECTION 1 by amending  Section 483.001(2), Health and Safety
Code, to redefine "dangerous drug." Redesignate existing SECTIONS
accordingly. 

SECTION 3. 

Adds a new SECTION 3 by amending Sections 5(15) and (41), Article 4542a-1,
V.T.C.S., to redefine "dangerous drug" and "prescription drug."