SRC-PNG H.B. 3446 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3446
76R8035 SMH-DBy: Swinford (Ogden)
Natural Resources
5/12/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the provisions of the Veterinary Licensing Act do not apply to
corporations that practice veterinary medicine without a license because
the term "person" is not interpreted to include corporations in this Act.
Section 22 was added to the Veterinary Licensing Act in 1993 to prohibit
the practice of veterinary medicine by a private for-profit corporation not
exclusively owned by licensed veterinarians.  In February 1998, the Texas
Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners sought clarification of its authority
regarding corporations.  This bill would specifically prohibit corporations
not owned exclusively by one or more licensed veterinarians from
practicing, offering, or attempting to practice veterinary medicine.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3446 prohibits corporations not owned exclusively by one
or more licensed veterinarians from practicing, offering, or attempting to
practice 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 Sections 4 and 13B, Article 8890, V.T.C.S. (The
Veterinary Licensing Act), as follows: 

Sec.  4.  Prohibits a corporation, organization, business trust, estate,
trust, partnership, association, or other legal entity not owned
exclusively by one or more veterinarians licensed by the Texas Board of
Veterinary Medical Examiners from practicing or offering or attempting to
practice veterinary medicine in this state.  Makes conforming changes. 

Sec.  13B.  Makes a conforming change.

SECTION 2. Amends Section 14(d), Article 8890, V.T.C.S., to make a
conforming change. 

SECTION 3. Amends Section 14B(a), Article 8890, V.T.C.S., to make a
conforming change. 

SECTION 4. Amends Section 17, Article 8890, V.T.C.S., to provide that the
venue for an injunction proceeding is in the county of the defendant's
principal office in this state if the defendant is not a natural person.
Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 5. Provides that it is the intent of the legislature to clarify and
reiterate the law in effect before the enactment of this Act. 

SECTION 6. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.