House Bill No. 274 proposes the establishment of an interstate compact for animal health initiatives, which will be developed and executed by the governor of Texas on behalf of the state. The bill introduces Chapter 795 to the Government Code, detailing the authority to create this compact and emphasizing that it does not require congressional approval. The compact aims to facilitate joint actions among participating states to address animal health issues, including the sharing of resources for research, surveillance, and response plans for animal health outbreaks.

Additionally, the compact will allow for the mutual support of resources necessary for effective animal health management and may include provisions for joint agreements with federal agencies. It also permits the transfer of funds from other states to support animal health research and response activities, with stipulations for the proper use of these funds. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote in both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

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