BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 721

By: Perry

Agriculture & Livestock

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties contend it is unclear whether certain health care professionals who provide assistance to veterinarians for entities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums are exempt from the Veterinary Licensing Act. S.B. 721 seeks to address this issue by providing for such an exemption.

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

S.B. 721 amends the Occupations Code to include among the exemptions from the Veterinary Licensing Act a licensed health care professional who, without expectation of compensation and under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, provides treatment or care to an animal owned by or in the possession, control, or custody of an entity accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2017.