Texas

Texas HB 637 would amend the existing statute that authorized implementation of NAIS, removing the agency's authority to implement a mandatory program. HB 637 also provides important protections for any voluntary program: (1) it includes a non-discrimination clause; (2) it requires full disclosure and informed consent before anyone can be signed up; and (3) it allows people to withdraw at any time and have their information deleted. A committee hearing is expected to occur within a few weeks.

Status:

Adopted in May 2005, section 161.056 of the Texas Agriculture Code gives the Texas Animal Health Commission authority to implement NAIS in Texas. TAHC received $1.2 million in FY2006 for the program. The TAHC held one public hearing. On February 16, 2006, on proposed rules to implement mandatory premises registration. Faced with strong opposition, action on the rules has been postponed until sometime in 2007.

Grassroots activity:

FARFA holding informational meetings.

Political activity:

<>Representatives Bryan Hughes and Patrick Hughes have committed to filing a bill to roll back the previous statute and limit the Texas Animal Health Commission's authority to a voluntary program with protections against coercion. On the other side, TAHC continues to hold meetings to encourage producers to register their premises and to promote NAIS within Texas. At the federal level, Congressman Ron Paul is committed to stopping funding for NAIS.

Plan to attend informational meetings on NAIS

Learn more about what the National Animal Identification System will mean to you! A speaker from the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance will explain what NAIS will require, why it will fail to protect public health, and what its real effects will be for every Texan.

Speakers from other organizations and political candidates have also been invited.

Come to a town hall meeting during the week of August 7-11:

Lockhart, Texas: August 8 at Lockhart High School, 7-9 pm Contact: Pam Cantwell, equinetouch@ev1.net

Brady, Texas: August 10 at the Ed Davenport Civic Center, 7-9 pm Contact: Suzanne Gasparotto, onioncreek@tennesseemeatgoats.com

Paris, Texas: date and location tbd

More information will be posted on http://www.farmandranchfreedom.org

If you would like to arrange a meeting in your area, or have a speaker address your organization, contact the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance at 866-687-6452 (toll free) or info@farmandranchfreedom.org

Nothing herein is intended as legal advice. Legal advice can only be given by a lawyer licensed to practice in your state, who is familiar with all the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.

The information below is current as of April 20, 2006. While every effort has been made to assure accuracy, readers should confirm the information by examining the relevant state statutes and rules.

State lawmakers have called for reconsideration of existing legislation (HB 1361) that gives the Texas Animal Health Commission the authority to write mandatory rules. Governor Parry is being urged to authorize the present Special Session of the Legislature to take up a bill (HB 47) which would make NAIS voluntary in Texas.

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