H.B. 240 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 240
By: Miller
Agriculture & Livestock
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Current law does not contain a specific provision penalizing agriculture
terrorism, leaving one of our state's most valuable commodities at great
risk.  House Bill 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

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.Section 28.03, Penal Code, is amended by adding Subsection (i)
to increase the offense of introducing bovine spongiform encephalopathy
(mad cow disease) or a disease described by Section 161.041(a),
Agriculture Code, into livestock a felony of the first degree. 

SECTION 2.Makes application of this act prospective.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003.