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.