BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1275
89R21454 KRM-D	By: Gonz�lez, Mary (Blanco)
	Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
	5/15/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

In 2001, the USDA bought out a number dairy farms in El Paso County which were thought to have a high prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (BTB). These dairies were depopulated, and the Texas Animal Health Commission established a movement restriction zone (MRZ), which encompassed El Paso County and part of Hudspeth County due to the presence of BTB.

In order to participate in the buyout, H.B. 2463 was passed by the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001, which added Subsection (d) to Section 435.006 of the Health and Safety Code. This subsection prevents the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) from issuing permits to producer dairies located in areas identified as infected with or at high risk of bovine tuberculosis.

This bill amends Section 435.006(d) of the Health and Safety Code to allow DSHS to issue nonbovine dairy permits to entities within an MRZ but restricts the issuance of permits for a bovine dairy farm.

H.B. 1275 amends current law relating to the issuance of permits for bovine producer dairy farms in certain areas of this state.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 435.006(d), Health and Safety Code, to prohibit the Department of State Health Services from issuing a producer dairy farm permit to a person for a bovine producer dairy farm located in an area infected with or at a high risk for bovine tuberculosis, as determined epidemiologically and defined by rule of the Texas Animal Health Commission.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2025.