S.B. No. 573

AN ACT

relating to an interim study concerning the breeding of white-tailed and mule deer in this state.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. (a) A select interim committee is created to study the practice of breeding white-tailed and mule deer in this state. The committee's study must include, but is not limited to, an examination of:

(1) the operation of breeding facilities in this state;

(2) whether any barriers exist that prevent the breeding industry from operating in the most efficient, effective manner;

(3) whether any opportunities exist that could improve or enhance the breeding industry in this state; and

(4) responsibility for disease control and associated issues of liability and indemnification.

(b) The committee consists of the following 10 members:

(1) three members appointed by the lieutenant governor, two of whom must be senators and one of whom must be a nonelected individual who holds a permit under Subchapter L, Chapter 43, Parks and Wildlife Code;

(2) three members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, two of whom must be representatives and one of whom must be a nonelected individual who holds a permit under Subchapter L, Chapter 43, Parks and Wildlife Code;

(3) three members appointed by the governor, one of whom must be a nonelected individual who holds a permit under Subchapter L, Chapter 43, Parks and Wildlife Code, and the other members shall not be employed by a governmental entity; and

(4) one member appointed by the chair of the Parks and Wildlife Commission who is not employed by a governmental entity.

(c) The members of the committee shall elect a presiding officer from among its members.

(d) The committee shall convene at the call of the presiding officer.

(e) The committee has all other powers and duties provided to a special or select committee by the rules of the senate and house of representatives, by Subchapter B, Chapter 301, Government Code, and by policies of the senate and house committees on administration.

(f) From the contingent expense fund of the senate and the contingent expense fund of the house of representatives equally, the members of the committee are entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this Act in accordance with the rules of the senate and house of representatives and the policies of the senate and house committees on administration.

(g) Not later than February 1, 2009, the committee shall report the committee's findings and recommendations to the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the members of the 81st Legislature.

(h) Not later than the 60th day after the effective date of this Act, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the governor shall appoint the members of the interim committee created under this section.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.

______________________________ ______________________________

President of the Senate Speaker of the House

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 573 passed the Senate on March 28, 2007, by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0; and that the Senate concurred in House amendment on May 11, 2007, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.

______________________________ Secretary of the Senate

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 573 passed the House, with amendment, on May 8, 2007, by the following vote: Yeas 146, Nays 0, two present not voting.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House

Approved:

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Date

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Governor