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.