HBA-CBW S.B. 685 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 685
By: Madla
Agriculture & Livestock
3/29/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

In 1989, the legislature passed provisions regarding riding stables to
ensure humane treatment and care of horses rented for riding and carriage
purposes.  Currently, the Texas Department of Health (TDH), the Texas Board
of Health (board), and the commissioner of public health (commissioner) are
charged with the authority contained in these provisions.  However, the
protection of animals may not fall under the public health mission of these
entities.  The Texas Animal health Commission (commission) may have greater
resources to work with the farmers and ranchers in Texas since it currently
uses its authority to regulate certain facilities with regard to animal
health standards.  Senate Bill 685 transfers from the TDH, the board, and
the commissioner to the commission the authority of regulation of riding
stables. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking
authority previously delegated to the Texas Board of Health is transferred
to the Texas Animal Health Commission in SECTION 3 (Section 2053.012,
Occupations Code) of this bill. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 685 amends the Occupations Code to transfer from the Texas
Department of Health (TDH), the Texas Board of Health (board), and the
commissioner of public health (commissioner) to the Texas Animal Health
Commission (commission) all powers, duties, rights, and obligations
relating to the regulation of riding stables.  The bill sets forth
procedures regarding the transfer of authority from TDH, the board, and the
commissioner to the commission and provides that the transfer is to take
place not later than January 1, 2001. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2002.