SRC-JLB H.B. 240 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 240 78R15 BDH-DBy: Miller (Fraser) Subcommittee on Agriculture 5/2/2003 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Current law does not contain a specific provision penalizing agricultural terrorism. H.B 240 makes it a first degree felony to introduce mad cow disease, foot-and-mouth disease, and several other debilitating diseases into livestock. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 28.03, Penal Code, by adding Subsection (i), to provide that notwithstanding Subsection (b), an offense under this section is a felony of the first degree if the property is livestock and the damage is caused by introducing bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly known as mad cow disease, or a disease described by Section 161.041(a), Agriculture Code. Defines "livestock." SECTION 2. (a)-(b) Make application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2003.