H.B. 641 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


C.S.H.B. 641
By: Kolkhorst
Agriculture & Livestock
Committee Report (Substituted)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The Agriculture Code defines "exotic livestock"as grass-eating or
plant-eating, single-hooved or clovenhooved mammals that are not
indigenous to this state and are known as ungulates, including animals
from the swine, horse, tapir, rhinoceros, elephant, deer, and antelope
families.  While bison are a wild, cloven-hoofed animal indigenous to
Texas, some state agency rules and regulations do not classify bison as
such. This bill would establish policy at the Texas Department of
Agriculture to recognize bison as wild, indigenous animals and would allow
them to be raised and used for commercial purposes and for the purpose of
preserving the species. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

CSHB 641 amends the Agriculture Code to recognize that bison are wild
animals indigenous to this state and are distinct from cattle, livestock,
exotic livestock, and game animals. The bill also specifies that bison may
be raised and used for commercial purposes or for preserving the bison
species. The bill includes "bison" under the definition of "livestock"
under the Health and Safety Code. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2003.  
COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

CSHB641 modifies the original by amending the definition of "livestock" to
include "bison" under the Health and Safety Code.