HBA-BSM H.B. 2091 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2091
By: Miller
Agriculture & Livestock
77/25/2001
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Prior to the 77th Legislature, Texas law designated the state as a modified
accredited area for tuberculosis (TB) in cattle.  252 of the 254 counties
in Texas have been declared TB-free by the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA).  Cattle transported from a modified accredited area
must be tested within  60 days of transport and be shown to be TB free.
Breeding cattle from TB-free zones may move across state lines without TB
tests, facilitating out of state trade.  House Bill 2091 brings Texas law
in line with USDA regulations by reflecting new split-state status in
regard to bovine TB. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 2091 amends the Agriculture Code to require veterinarians to
comply with identification requirements of the Texas Animal Health
Commission (TAHC) concerning the identification of tuberculosis in cattle.
The bill removes provisions requiring a veterinarian to brand and tag each
animal that tests positive for bovine TB.  The bill establishes two TB
accredited areas, a tuberculosis modified accredited advanced area and a
tuberculosis free area and authorizes TAHC to establish and maintain each
area under the uniform methods and rules of the United States Department of
Agriculture. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.