HBA-CMT H.B. 2335 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2335
By: Crownover
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
5/8/2001
Committee Report (Amended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, medication or drug testing performed on race animals in Texas is
done by a laboratory chosen by the Texas Racing Commission through a
competitive bidding process.  The Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic
Laboratory (TVMDL) at Texas A&M University has been awarded the contract
every year, and performs all primary sample testing.  House Bill 2335 gives
the TVMDL the primary responsibility for medication or drug testing on
racing animals in Texas. 

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 2335 amends the Texas Racing Act to require medication or drug
testing performed on a race animal to be conducted by the Texas Veterinary
Medical Diagnostic Laboratory at Texas A&M University or by a laboratory
operated by or in conjunction with or by a private or public agency
selected by the Texas Racing Commission with the approval of the Texas
Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.

EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

Committee Amendment No. 1 requires the Texas Racing Commission (commission)
to determine if the laboratory drug testing charges are reasonable, in
relation to industry standards, by periodically surveying the testing
charges of comparable laboratories in the United States.  The commission is
required to forward a copy of the approved charges to the association that
receives the service for immediate payment.