Action Alert
May 15, 2007
Amended version of HB 461 approved by Subcommittee
Last night, the Senate Subcommittee on Agriculture approved an amended version of HB 461 (more details below). Thanks to all of the people who came despite the short notice!! It made an impression on the Senators to see how many people were willing to take off work with basically no notice, and to hear what real people had to say about NAIS. And thanks also to those who called the Senators - we know they got a lot of calls, and that also makes an impression!
We need to keep up the pressure on the Senate! The bill will go to the full Committee on Natural Resources this week, and we are pushing for stronger language.
TAKE ACTION! Call all three of the people listed below NOW:
- Your Senator. If you don't know who your Senator is, go to www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us or call the Capitol Switchboard at 512-463-4630.
- Senator Craig Estes, the sponsor of the bill in the Senate. Phone: 463-0130, Fax: 463-8874, email: Craig.Estes@Senate.state.tx.us
- Senator Kip Averitt, Chair of the Natural Resources Committee. Phone: 463-0122, Fax: 475-3729, email: Kip.Averitt@Senate.state.tc.us
The Message: Tell them that you support HB 461 in the form passed by the House, to make NAIS voluntary in Texas without exception. If the feds ever make NAIS mandatory, then Texas can decide what is in our best interests. If they insist on an exception, it needs to be as narrow as possible.
Forward this alert to everyone you know, urging them to take action
also!!! If you have any questions, contact us at:
info@farmandranchfreedom.org
or call 866-687-6452.
AMENDMENT TO HB 461
Due to industry pressure, the Subcommittee approved an amended version of HB 461. It's called a "committee substitute." The version approved last night includes this language:
"An animal identification program developed by the commission under this section shall remain voluntary unless the United States Department of Agriculture sets a timeline to create and implement a mandatory National Animal Identification System, at which time the commission may adopt rules and implement a timeline to make the program mandatory in compliance with the requirements of the United States Department of Agriculture."
This is better than the draft we saw on Friday because it does not require TAHC to implement a mandatory program if the feds set a timeline. (Friday's version used the word "shall.") But it's still not what we want. Texas should not implement a mandatory NAIS, period. In addition, the "timeline" language is vague and creates a huge loophole.
The good news is that the bill still has provisions for full disclosure, the right to withdraw, and no coercion so long as the program is voluntary. And we still have the chance to get the bill returned to its original version, or at least a better version, in the full Committee or in the conference committee.
So the fight is not over, and we need everyone to take action!
TALKING POINTS/E-MAIL
- I support the version of HB 461 that was passed by the House. Any changes need to be as narrow as possible so that they do not affect the true substance of the bill: a bar on a mandatory or coercive NAIS.
- We do not need any provision that allows the TAHC to "get ahead" of absolute, enforceable federal requirements for NAIS.
- NAIS will hurt Texas' economy and will not improve animal health or food safety.
- NAIS infringes on people's constitutional rights, including due process, privacy, and religious freedom.
- Other states are also rejecting or limiting NAIS, so Texas will not be alone. Arizona has adopted a law barring a mandatory NAIS in Arizona. The Missouri Senate and House have both passed complete bars on any government-run NAIS.
If you use, e-mail, write "Support HB 461 as passed by the House" in the subject line. Add a sentence or two about yourself and why you care about NAIS, to the talking points above.
We're down to 13 days and counting! Please act now!