H.B. 581 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 581 By: Crownover Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, medication or drug testing performed on race animals in Texas is done by a laboratory chosen by the Texas Racing Commission through a competitive bidding process. The Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab (TVMDL) at Texas A&M University has been awarded the contract every year. Primarily, because the TVMDL is the only lab in the state with the means to provide testing for race animals, House Bill 581 would give the TVMDL the sole responsibility for testing race animals in Texas. House Bill 581 would give the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab the sole responsibility for providing drug testing on race animals in Texas. Further the bill would require the Texas Racing Commission to determine whether laboratory charges are reasonable according to industry standards. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of this committee that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or institution. ANALYSIS House Bill 581 amends the Texas Racing Act to require medication or drug testing performed on a race animal to be conducted by the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory at Texas A&M University or by a laboratory operated by or in conjunction with or by a private or public agency selected by the Texas Racing Commission after consultation with the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. Requires the commission to periodically survey laboratory drug testing charges. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2003. Prospective Application.