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


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2091
By: Miller
Agriculture & Livestock
3/5/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, Texas law designates the state as a modified accredited area for
tuberculosis (TB) in cattle.  292 of the 294 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 (commission) 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 the commission or its
representative to establish and maintain each area under the uniform
methods and rules of the United States Department of Agriculture. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.