88R18806 KBB-D
By: Guillen, Cain, Burns, et al. H.B. No. 4413
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of a task force to make
recommendations for updating the livestock brand registration
process.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 144, Agriculture Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter D to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER D. UPDATED LIVESTOCK BRAND REGISTRATION TASK FORCE
Sec. 144.061. ESTABLISHMENT AND COMPOSITION OF TASK FORCE.
(a) The updated livestock brand registration task force is
established under this subchapter to make recommendations for
updating the process of brand registration before the upcoming
brand registration renewals required in 2031.
(b) The Texas Animal Health Commission shall establish the
task force. The task force is composed of:
(1) two representatives from the County and District
Clerks Association of Texas;
(2) two representatives from county sheriff's
departments;
(3) two representatives from the Texas and
Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association;
(4) two representatives from the Independent
Cattlemen's Association of Texas;
(5) two representatives from the Texas Sheep and Goat
Raisers Association;
(6) two representatives from the Texas Pork Producers
Association;
(7) two representatives from the Texas A&M AgriLife
Extension Service; and
(8) two representatives from any other association or
department that the Texas Animal Health Commission determines
necessary.
Sec. 144.062. DUTIES OF TASK FORCE. The updated livestock
brand registration task force shall:
(1) develop recommendations for the implementation of
a digital registration method for livestock brands that:
(A) is standard across all counties;
(B) uses a database that will standardize the
format of information for all counties; and
(C) has other attributes of functionality that
the task force identifies as useful;
(2) develop recommendations for a technology to
identify livestock that would be standardized across the state and:
(A) allows the information to be read wirelessly
at a distance of at least 30 feet;
(B) interfaces with the statewide digital brand
database;
(C) is easy to implement across all producers,
including large scale and small scale producers;
(D) allows easy identification of the owners of
estray livestock; and
(E) has other attributes of functionality that
the task force identifies as useful;
(3) develop recommendations for updating Chapter 142,
Agriculture Code, that:
(A) would simplify and speed the process of
reuniting estray livestock with owners;
(B) reduces the operational and financial burden
placed on law enforcement and political subdivisions associated
with estray livestock; and
(C) has other attributes of functionality that
the task force identifies as useful;
(4) develop recommendations for creating a digital
guide of best practices for livestock owners, political
subdivisions, and law enforcement agencies associated with estray
livestock and livestock branding and identification; and
(5) establish other goals or recommendations the task
force identifies as within its scope and worth pursuing or
recommending.
Sec. 144.063. GIFTS. The updated livestock brand
registration task force may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and
donations from public and private entities to use for the purposes
of this subchapter.
Sec. 144.064. REPORTS. The updated livestock brand
registration task force shall prepare and submit reports based on
the task force's recommendations to the governor, lieutenant
governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and the chairs
of the relevant legislative committees. The task force shall
submit:
(1) a first interim report not later than December 1,
2024;
(2) a second interim report not later than December 1,
2026;
(3) a third interim report not later than December 1,
2028;
(4) a final interim report not later than December 1,
2030; and
(5) not later than December 1, 2032, a comprehensive
report of the task force's analysis and findings after the
implementation of the updated brand registration process following
the brand renewal in 2031.
Sec. 144.065. EXPIRATION. This subchapter expires January
1, 2033.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.