AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Currently, under the Texas Racing Act, all investigatory files are confidential except in a criminal proceeding, in a hearing conducted by the Texas Racing Commission (TRC), on court order, or with the consent of the party being investigated.

 

From time to time, an investigation reveals information about potential misconduct by a licensed veterinarian or a person beyond the TRC's jurisdiction. Under the current law, TRC staff cannot share investigatory information with other state regulatory agencies.

 

H.B. 1186 amends the Texas Racing Act to permit TRC to notify other regulatory agencies, such as the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, of potential violations of the law. 

 

H.B. 1186 amends current law relating to the Texas Racing Commission's ability to share investigatory information with other state regulatory agencies.

 

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 2.15, Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, V.T.C.S.), as follows:

 

Se. 2.15. RECORDS. (a) Creates this subsection from existing text and makes no further change.

 

(b) Creates this subsection from existing text and makes a nonsubstantive change.

 

(c) Authorizes the Texas Racing Commission (TRC) to share with another regulatory agency of this state any investigatory file information that creates a reasonable suspicion of a person's violation of a law or rule under that agency's jurisdiction.  Authorizes that agency to use the information as if it was obtained through that agency's investigatory process.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2013.