78R4812 EMT-F


By:  Crownover                                                    H.B. No. 948



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a veterinarian member of the Texas Racing Commission.             
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.   Section 2.05(a), Texas Racing Act (Article 
179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), is amended to read as 
follows:
	(a)  Three [Four] of the appointed members of the commission 
must be representatives of the general public and have general 
knowledge of business or agribusiness.  One additional appointed 
member must have special knowledge or experience related to 
greyhound racing, [and] one additional appointed member must have 
special knowledge or experience related to horse racing, and one 
additional appointed member must be a veterinarian.  A person is not 
eligible for appointment as a member of the commission if the person 
or the person's spouse:
		(1)  is licensed by the commission, except as a 
commissioner;               
		(2)  is employed by the commission or participates in 
the management of a business entity or other organization regulated 
by the commission or receiving funds from or through the 
commission;
		(3)  owns or controls, directly or indirectly, more 
than a 10 percent interest in a business entity or other 
organization regulated by the commission or receiving funds from or 
through the commission; or
		(4)  uses or receives a substantial amount of tangible 
goods, services, or funds from or through the commission, other 
than compensation or reimbursement authorized by law for commission 
membership, attendance, or expenses.
	SECTION 2.   (a)  This Act takes effect September 1,2003.                      
	(b)  The change in law made by this Act relating to the 
qualifications for membership on the Texas Racing Commission does 
not affect the eligibility of a member of the commission serving 
immediately before the effective date of this Act to continue to 
serve on the commission for the term to which the member was 
appointed.    The governor shall appoint a veterinarian to the 
commission in accordance with Section 2.05(a), Texas Racing Act 
(Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), as amended by this 
Act, to fill the next vacancy that occurs after the effective date 
of this Act in a position held by a commission member representing 
the general public.