83R7171 BEF-F
By: Schwertner S.B. No. 1233
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a state animal identification program and the
identification of animals vaccinated for or infected with
brucellosis.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Sections 161.056(a) and (c), Agriculture Code,
are amended to read as follows:
(a) In order to provide for disease control and enhance the
ability to trace disease-infected animals or animals that have been
exposed to disease, the commission may develop and implement a
state [an] animal identification program for a species that is no
more stringent than the federal animal disease traceability or
animal identification program for that species [consistent with the
United States Department of Agriculture's National Animal
Identification System].
(c) The commission may require the use of official
identification numbers assigned as part of the state animal
identification program [for animal disease control, animal
emergency management, and other commission programs].
SECTION 2. Section 163.064(c), Agriculture Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(c) The commission may by rule regulate and require the
vaccination of female cattle within all or any of the area
classifications. Among other rules, the commission may adopt rules
providing for:
(1) the identification of cattle to be vaccinated
consistent with Section 161.056;
(2) approval of the vaccine used; and
(3) the method of administering the vaccine.
SECTION 3. Section 163.065(a), Agriculture Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(a) If a tested animal shows evidence of infection with
brucellosis, the person performing the test shall handle the animal
in accordance with the rules of the commission. The commission may
prescribe requirements according to the classification of the area
in which the animal is located. Among other requirements, the
commission may require the person performing the test to:
(1) furnish the owner of the animal with written data
showing that the animal is infected;
(2) fire brand the animal on the left jaw with the
letter "B"; and
(3) place an approved, numbered identification on the
animal consistent with Section 161.056[; and
[(4) report the identification number in writing to
the commission].
SECTION 4. Sections 161.056(b), (d), (g), and (h),
Agriculture Code, are repealed.
SECTION 5. (a) The repeal by this Act of Section
161.056(g), Agriculture Code, does not apply to an offense
committed under that subsection before the effective date of this
Act. For purposes of this section, an offense is committed before
the effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurs
before that date.
(b) An offense committed before the effective date of this
Act is governed by Section 161.056(g), Agriculture Code, as it
existed when the offense was committed, and the former law is
continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 6. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2013.