BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1740

By: Thompson, Senfronia

Urban Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is concern that the recent adoption of an administrative rule requiring the establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship before a rabies vaccine is administered has forced licensed veterinarians to complete a full examination of an animal before the animal can be vaccinated for rabies. Interested parties contend that this creates a financial burden for pet owners, who may decide to forgo having a pet vaccinated against rabies, frustrating the public health interests relating to rabies vaccination. H.B. 1740 seeks to improve access to rabies vaccinations.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1740 amends the Health and Safety Code to establish that a veterinarian who is employed by a county or municipality and who administers or supervises the administration of rabies vaccine as part of a local rabies control program established by a county or municipality under the Rabies Control Act of 1981 is not required to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship before administering rabies vaccine or supervising the administration of rabies vaccine. The bill establishes that its provisions control to the extent of any conflict with any other law or rule relating to the administration of rabies vaccine.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.