88R18806 KBB-D
 
  By: Guillen, Cain, Burns, et al. H.B. No. 4413
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the establishment of a task force to make
  recommendations for updating the livestock brand registration
  process.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 144, Agriculture Code, is amended by
  adding Subchapter D to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER D. UPDATED LIVESTOCK BRAND REGISTRATION TASK FORCE
         Sec. 144.061.  ESTABLISHMENT AND COMPOSITION OF TASK FORCE.
  (a) The updated livestock brand registration task force is
  established under this subchapter to make recommendations for
  updating the process of brand registration before the upcoming
  brand registration renewals required in 2031.
         (b)  The Texas Animal Health Commission shall establish the
  task force. The task force is composed of:
               (1)  two representatives from the County and District
  Clerks Association of Texas;
               (2)  two representatives from county sheriff's
  departments;
               (3)  two representatives from the Texas and
  Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association;
               (4)  two representatives from the Independent
  Cattlemen's Association of Texas;
               (5)  two representatives from the Texas Sheep and Goat
  Raisers Association;
               (6)  two representatives from the Texas Pork Producers
  Association;
               (7)  two representatives from the Texas A&M AgriLife
  Extension Service; and
               (8)  two representatives from any other association or
  department that the Texas Animal Health Commission determines
  necessary.
         Sec. 144.062.  DUTIES OF TASK FORCE. The updated livestock
  brand registration task force shall:
               (1)  develop recommendations for the implementation of
  a digital registration method for livestock brands that:
                     (A)  is standard across all counties;
                     (B)  uses a database that will standardize the
  format of information for all counties; and
                     (C)  has other attributes of functionality that
  the task force identifies as useful;
               (2)  develop recommendations for a technology to
  identify livestock that would be standardized across the state and:
                     (A)  allows the information to be read wirelessly
  at a distance of at least 30 feet;
                     (B)  interfaces with the statewide digital brand
  database;
                     (C)  is easy to implement across all producers,
  including large scale and small scale producers;
                     (D)  allows easy identification of the owners of
  estray livestock; and
                     (E)  has other attributes of functionality that
  the task force identifies as useful;
               (3)  develop recommendations for updating Chapter 142,
  Agriculture Code, that:
                     (A)  would simplify and speed the process of
  reuniting estray livestock with owners;
                     (B)  reduces the operational and financial burden
  placed on law enforcement and political subdivisions associated
  with estray livestock; and
                     (C)  has other attributes of functionality that
  the task force identifies as useful;
               (4)  develop recommendations for creating a digital
  guide of best practices for livestock owners, political
  subdivisions, and law enforcement agencies associated with estray
  livestock and livestock branding and identification; and
               (5)  establish other goals or recommendations the task
  force identifies as within its scope and worth pursuing or
  recommending.
         Sec. 144.063.  GIFTS. The updated livestock brand
  registration task force may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and
  donations from public and private entities to use for the purposes
  of this subchapter.
         Sec. 144.064.  REPORTS. The updated livestock brand
  registration task force shall prepare and submit reports based on
  the task force's recommendations to the governor, lieutenant
  governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and the chairs
  of the relevant legislative committees. The task force shall
  submit:
               (1)  a first interim report not later than December 1,
  2024;
               (2)  a second interim report not later than December 1,
  2026;
               (3)  a third interim report not later than December 1,
  2028;
               (4)  a final interim report not later than December 1,
  2030; and
               (5)  not later than December 1, 2032, a comprehensive
  report of the task force's analysis and findings after the
  implementation of the updated brand registration process following
  the brand renewal in 2031.
         Sec. 144.065.  EXPIRATION. This subchapter expires January
  1, 2033.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.