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


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 498
By: Armbrister
Natural Resources
4/4/2003
Committee Report (Substituted)


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. C.S.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 agricultural 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.  Amends Section 433.003(11), Health and Safety Code, to
redefine "livestock." 

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2003.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 2.  Differs from original by deleting the effective date and
adding Section 433.003(11), Health and Safety Code. 

SECTION 3.  Differs from original by creating a new SECTION to establish
the effective date.