Honorable Tracy O. King, Chair, House Committee on Agriculture & Livestock
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB809 by White, James (Relating to the composition of and qualifications for appointment to the Texas Animal Health Commission.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend portions of the Agriculture code to increase the number of members of the Animal Health Commission from 13 to 15 members. The additional members would include an individual who raises 20 or fewer units of livestock and an individual who raises 100 or fewer chickens per year. The bill would require Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to adopt a rule to define a unit of livestock. The bill would also prohibit an individual from being appointed to the Commission if that individual is employed by, manages, or owns more than a 10 percent interest in a business entity or organization of which a significant portion of the operations involve animals that are regulated by the Commission.
Based on information provided by the Animal Health Commission and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished utilizing existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
554 Animal Health Commission, 555 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service