SRC-LBB H.B. 948 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 948 78R4812 EMT-FBy: Crownover (Fraser) State Affairs 5/9/2003 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE The Texas Racing Commission (TRC) was created in 1986 under the Texas Racing Act. The original Act required TRC to consist of eight appointed members, two of whom were required to be licensed veterinarians, with one of the veterinarians specializing in the treatment of small animals and one specializing in large animals. Veterinarians were included on TRC to evaluate the extent to which a rule might affect the health of the animals. In 1997, changes were made to the Act following TRC's sunset review which removed the requirement that two TRC members be licensed veterinarians. H.B. 948 requires that at least one of the six appointed members of TRC be a licensed veterinarian. 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 2.05(a), Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, V.T.C.S.) to require three, rather than four of the appointed members of the Texas Racing Commission (TRC) to be representatives of the general public and have general knowledge of business or agribusiness. Requires one appointed member to be a veterinarian. SECTION 2. (a) Effective date: September 1, 2003. (b) Provides that the change in law made by this Act relating to the qualifications for membership on TRC does not affect the eligibility of a TRC member serving immediately before the effective date of this Act to continue to serve for the term to which the member was appointed. Requires the governor to appoint a veterinarian to TRC in accordance with Section 2.05(a), Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, V.T.C.S.), as amended by this Act, to fill the next vacancy that occurs after the effective date of this Act in a position held by a TRC member representing the general public.