The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners ("Board") proposes amendments to §575.25, concerning Recommended Schedule of Sanctions.

The 79th Texas Legislature amended the Veterinary Licensing Act ("Act") to increase the maximum amount of administrative penalties that the Board can impose from $2500.00 for each violation not related to a controlled substance to $5000.00 per day for each violation of any kind. This section is proposed for amendment to update the Board's schedule of sanctions which is based on the amount specified in the Act.

Mr. Ron Allen, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the amended section is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section, except for the small additional amount of increased penalties that the Board will collect each year.

Mr. Allen has also determined that for the first five years the amended section is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be to encourage licensee compliance with the Act and Board rules, thereby assuring the public that standards of the profession are being met. There will be no effect on small or micro businesses. There will be no economic cost to persons required to comply with the amended section as proposed, except for the small number of licensees that may be required to pay enhanced penalties.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted in writing to Julie Barker, Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-810, Austin, Texas 78701, phone (512) 305-7555, fax (512) 305-7556, e-mail vet.board@tbvme.state.tx.us, and will be accepted 30 days following publication in the Texas Register.

The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Veterinary Licensing Act, Occupations Code, §801.151(a) which states that the Board may adopt rules necessary to administer this chapter, and §801.401, which authorizes the Board to impose an administrative penalty.

The amendments affect the Veterinary Licensing Act, Occupations Code, Subchapter J, relating to administrative penalties.