Texas Senate Bill SB949

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the game animal meat safety task force.

Impact

The establishment of this task force aims to enhance the safety standards and regulatory framework surrounding the game meat industry in Texas. With the rising popularity of game meat consumption, the bill's objectives are significant in ensuring that commercially raised game animals meet safety standards that protect consumer health. Furthermore, it signifies a legislative acknowledgment of the unique challenges faced by the game meat industry amid broader agricultural regulatory practices.

Summary

Senate Bill 949 establishes the Game Animal Meat Safety Task Force in Texas, tasked with studying and developing a food safety plan for commercially raised game animals. The bill outlines the task force's composition, which includes members from both the legislative body and the public who possess expertise in game animal meat safety. The primary objective of the task force is to examine industry trends related to game meat and identify necessary regulations and protection mechanisms, differentiating game meat inspection processes from those of traditional meats such as beef and poultry.

Contention

While the bill does not appear to present obvious points of contention at this stage, discussions surrounding food safety standards and the implications for wildlife management may arise as the task force proceeds. One potential area of debate could be how the regulations intersect with existing wildlife management laws, the hunting community's interests, and the economic aspects of the commercial game meat sector. Stakeholders may have differing views on the extent of regulation necessary to safeguard public health without hindering industry growth.