By Turner of Coleman                                   H.B. No. 727
         77R2974 BDH-D                           
                                A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to the treatment of bison in the state.
 1-3           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-4           SECTION 1. Chapter 2, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding
 1-5     Section 2.004 to read as follows:
 1-6           Sec. 2.004.  POLICY: BISON. The agricultural policy of this
 1-7     state must recognize that bison:
 1-8                 (1)  are wild animals indigenous to this state;
 1-9                 (2)  are distinct from cattle, livestock, exotic
1-10     livestock, and game animals; and
1-11                 (3)  may be raised and used for:
1-12                       (A)  commercial purposes; or
1-13                       (B)  the purpose of preserving the bison species.
1-14           SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
1-15     a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
1-16     provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
1-17     Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
1-18     Act takes effect September 1, 2001.