H.B. No. 641




AN ACT

relating to state policy and regulations regarding bison; providing 
penalties.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Chapter 2, Agriculture Code, is amended by 
adding Section 2.005 to read as follows:
	Sec. 2.005.  POLICY: BISON.  The agricultural policy of this 
state must recognize that bison:
		(1)  are wild animals indigenous to this state;                        
		(2)  are distinct from cattle, livestock, exotic 
livestock, and game animals; and
		(3)  may be raised and used for:                                       
			(A)  commercial purposes; or                                          
			(B)  the purpose of preserving the bison species.                     
	SECTION 2.  Section 433.003(11), Health and Safety Code, is 
amended to read as follows:
		(11)  "Livestock" means cattle, bison, sheep, swine, 
goats, horses, mules, other equines, poultry, domestic rabbits, 
exotic animals, or domesticated game birds.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.



______________________________                ______________________________
 
   President of the Senate                               Speaker of the House      

	I certify that H.B. No. 641 was passed by the House on April 
10, 2003, by the following vote:  Yeas 143, Nays 0, 2 present, not 
voting.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House   

	I certify that H.B. No. 641 was passed by the Senate on May 1, 
2003, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Secretary of the Senate    



APPROVED:  _____________________                                            
 
                   Date                                                      




 
          _____________________                                          
 
                 Governor