SRC-JLB S.B. 498 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 498
78R2028 BDH-DBy: Armbrister
Subcommittee on Agriculture
3/24/2003
As Filed


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. As proposed, S.B. 498
establishes a policy that recognizes bison as wild, indigenous animals at
the Texas Department of Agriculture.  

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