Bill

HB 1563

86(R) - 2019
House Agriculture & Livestock
House Agriculture & Livestock
Agriculture

Vote Recommendation

No
  • Negative
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Negative

Author(s)

Poncho Nevarez

Bill Caption

Relating to the licensing and regulation of animal export-import processing facilities; providing penalties; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 1563 would require a license for a person operating an export-import processing facility that is located in Texas, is authorized under certain federal regulations, and has the capacity to receive and hold animals and animal products for transportation in international trade. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) would have exclusive authority to license such facilities.

This bill would also exempt a governmental entity from the license and renewal fees. TDA would be allowed to impose an administrative penalty or other sanction for a violation, and caps the administrative penalty at $5,000. TDA would be authorized to suspend or revoke a license for violations. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action recommends opposing HB 1563 because it infringes on limited government, individual liberty, and free market principles by requiring an animal export-import facility to be licensed by the state before it can be legally operated. It is not the role of the state to micromanage and penalize animal trade facilities, particularly when this activity is already regulated by federal law.