By:  Kolkhorst (Senate Sponsor - Armbrister)                      H.B. No. 641
	(In the Senate - Received from the House April 14, 2003; 
April 15, 2003, read first time and referred to Committee on 
Natural Resources; April 22, 2003, rereferred to Committee on 
Administration; April 29, 2003, reported favorably by the following 
vote:  Yeas 6, Nays 0; April 29, 2003, sent to printer.)


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

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.



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