79R8871 YDB-F

By:  Flores                                                       H.B. No. 2888



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the licensing examination for stewards or judges 
licensed by the Texas Racing Commission.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 3.07(c), Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, 
Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), is amended to read as follows:
	(c)  The commission shall require each steward or judge to 
take and pass both an [a written] examination regarding the 
steward's or judge's authority and duties and a medical examination 
annually.  The commission by rule shall prescribe the methods and 
procedures for taking the examinations and the standards for 
passing.  In prescribing the methods and procedures, the commission 
must provide a steward or judge the opportunity to elect to take the 
examination regarding the steward's or judge's authority and duties 
in English or Spanish and orally or in writing.  Failure to pass an 
examination is a ground for refusal to issue an original or renewal 
license to a steward or judge or for suspension or revocation of 
such a license.
	SECTION 2.  (a)  The Texas Racing Commission shall adopt the 
rules necessary to implement Section 3.07(c), Texas Racing Act 
(Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), as amended by this 
Act, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act.  
For that purpose, the commission may adopt the rules before January 
1, 2006, in the manner provided by law for emergency rules.
	(b)  The Texas Racing Commission may, but is not required to, 
offer an examination in Spanish or orally, as provided by Section 
3.07(c), Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil 
Statutes), as amended by this Act, before January 1, 2006.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.