SRC-TJG H.B. 641 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 641
By: Kolkhorst (Armbrister)
Administration
4/23/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the Office of General Counsel of the Texas Department of Health
recognizes bison as exotic animals under the Texas Meat and Poultry
Inspection Act's definition of exotic animals. H.B. 641 establishes a
policy that recognizes bison as wild, indigenous animals at the Texas
Department of Agriculture.  This bill also adds bison to the definition of
"livestock." 

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 Chapter 2, Agriculture Code, by adding Section 2.005,
as follows: 

Sec. 2.005.  POLICY: BISON.  Requires the agriculture policy of this state
to recognize that bison are wild animals indigenous to this state, are
distinct from cattle, livestock, exotic livestock, and game animals, and
may be raised and used for commercial purposes or for preserving the bison
species. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 433.003(11), Health and Safety Code, to add
bison to the definition of "livestock." 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.