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.