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.