SRC-LBB H.B. 581 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 581
78R3625 YDB-DBy: Crownover (Fraser)
State Affairs
4/29/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, drug testing performed on race animals in Texas is done by a
laboratory chosen by the Texas Racing Commission through a competitive
bidding process.  Every year the contract has been awarded to the Texas
Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL).  H.B. 581 requires
medication or drug testing performed on a race animal under this Act to be
conducted by the TVMDL or by a laboratory operated by or in conjunction
with or by a private or public agency selected by the Texas Racing
Commission. 

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 3.07(d), Texas Racing Act (Article 179e,
V.T.C.S.), to require medication or drug testing performed on a race
animal under this Act to be conducted by the Texas Veterinary Medical
Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) or by a laboratory operated by or in
conjunction with or by a private or public agency selected by the Texas
Racing Commission (TRC) after consultation with TVMDL.  Require TRC to
determine whether the laboratory charges are reasonable in relation to
industry standards by periodically surveying the drug testing charges of
comparable laboratories in the United States.  Deletes text relating to
the competitive bidding process. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.
                       Makes application of this Act prospective.