BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                       H.B. 375

                                                                                                                        By: Miller, Sid (Estes)

Agriculture & Rural Affairs

4/30/2009

Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Currently, many farmers and ranchers receive agriculture-related exemptions for farming and ranching operations on their property. Historically, farm elk have fallen into the exemption category but, because the Agriculture Code does not specifically include "elk" in the definition of "livestock," a few counties are revoking agriculture-related exemptions of some property owners.

This bill clarifies that "elk" are considered "livestock" in the Agriculture Code.

H.B. 375 relates to classifying elk and elk hybrids as livestock under the Agriculture Code.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 1.003(3), Agriculture Code, to redefine "livestock" to include elk and elk hybrids.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.