SRC-TJG H.B. 1324 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1324 78R9140 BDH-DBy: Brown, Betty (Staples) Natural Resources 5/22/2003 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE There is no current state law prohibiting equine slaughter, although current statute prohibits the sale of horsemeat for human consumption. H.B. 1324 amends the Agriculture Code to allow the sale of horsemeat for human consumption if that consumption occurs outside the United States. The bill also requires the owner or operator of a livestock market to post a sign in a prominent place acknowledging that the animal may go to slaughter RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Department of Agriculture in SECTION 2 (Section 146.009, Agriculture Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Sections 149.002 and 149.003, Agriculture Code, as follows: Sec. 149.002. SALE OR POSSESSION OF HORSEMEAT. Provides that a person commits an offense if certain actions are taken. Sec. 149.003. TRANSFER OF HORSEMEAT. Provides that a person commits an offense if certain actions are taken. SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 146, Agriculture Code, by adding Section 146.009, as follows: Sec. 146.009. SALE OF EQUINE ANIMAL; NOTICE REQUIRED. (a) Defines "equine animal" and "livestock meat." (b) Requires the owner or operator of a livestock market to display in a prominent place in the livestock market a sign giving notice that an equine animal sold at the market may be bought for slaughter. Authorizes the Texas Department of Agriculture, by rule, to prescribe the design or wording of the sign. SECTION 3. Repealer : Section 149.004 (Prima Facie Evidence of Offense), Agriculture Code. SECTION 4. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 2003.