BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2155

By: Anderson, Charles "Doc"

Agriculture & Livestock

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that the equine incentive program was never properly implemented and that funds from this program were not used for the purpose intended when the program was conceived. H.B. 2155 seeks to address some of the issues involved with equine incentive program.

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. 2155 abolishes the equine incentive program of the Department of Agriculture (TDA) on September 1, 2015. The bill requires the TDA, not later than December 31, 2015, to distribute any money remaining on the bill's effective date from program fees to the applicable breeders' associations and prescribes the share of money to be distributed to each association.  The bill restricts the use of such money by an association to the promotion of the equine industry in Texas.

H.B. 2155 repeals Section 12.044, Agriculture Code.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.