H.B. 948 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 948
By: Crownover
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The Texas Racing Commission (commission) was created in 1986 under the
Texas Racing Act. The original Act required the commission 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 the commission to evaluate the extent to which a rule might
affect the health of the animals. In 1997, changes were made to the Act
following the commission's sunset review which removed the requirement
that two commissioners be licensed veterinarians. 

House Bill 948 would require that at least one of the six appointed
members of the Texas Racing Commission be a licensed veterinarian. 


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

SECTION 1. Amends Section 2.05(a), Texas Racing Act, Article 179e,
V.T.C.S., to provide that three, rather than four, members of the Texas
Racing Commission (commission) must be representatives of the general
public who have general knowledge of business or agribusiness. Adds
language providing that one additional appointed member must be a
veterinarian. Makes nonsubstantive changes.  

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective. Requires the
governor to appoint a veterinarian to the commission pursuant to Section
2.05, as amended by this Act, to fill the next vacancy of a position
representing the general public which occurs after the effective date of
this Act.  


EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003.