BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2947

By: Cain

Agriculture & Livestock

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised that the commercial sale of animals is not clearly defined as an agricultural operation. H.B. 2947 seeks to clarity this issue by adding the commercial sale of animals to the definition of “agricultural operation” in Chapter 251 of the Agriculture Code.

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. 2947 amends the Agriculture Code to add the commercial sale of animals—which are defined by reference as poultry, livestock, and other domestic and wild animals, but excluding animals used for illegal gaming—to the list of activities considered to be an agricultural operation.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2023.