SRC-VRA S.B. 708 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 708
78R5444 AKH-DBy: Jackson
Intergovernmental Relations
4/4/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Current state law authorizes the commissioners court of a county to
prohibit or regulate the keeping of wild animals.  As proposed, S.B. 708
clarifies that the commissioners court can delegate that authority to
public health districts. 

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 Section 240.002, Local Government Code, by adding
Subsection (c) to authorize a commissioners court of a county to delegate
the authority granted under Subsection (a) to a county health department
or a public health district established under Chapter 121E, Health and
Safety Code (Local Public Health Reorganization Act).   

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 822.116(b), Health and Safety Code, to provide
that this subchapter does not prevent a municipality or county, or a
public health district authorized by a county under Section 240.002, Local
Government Code (Regulation), from prohibiting or regulating by ordinance
or order the ownership, possession, confinement, or care of a dangerous
wild animal.   

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