Background

In 2005, the Texas Legislature adopted a bill that gave the Texas Animal Health Commission authority to make NAIS mandatory.  Every state representative and senator voted in favor of that bill (with the sole exception of Rep. Hupp, who is no longer in office). 

In 2007, HB 461 was introduced to strip the TAHC of its authority to make NAIS mandatory, and protect people from being coerced into NAIS.  HB 461 passed the House, but was not voted on by the Senate.

Below is information on how Texas Representatives voted on HB 461, and responses to a questionnaire developed by Independent Texans, which included  a question about NAIS.

To find out who your elected officials are, go to http://www.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx

Texas House of Representatives - Vote on HB 461

Representatives' votes on HB 461

Explanation:  A "yea" vote means that the Representative was voting against a mandatory NAIS and to protect independent agriculture.  A "nay" vote meant that the Representative was voting to allow a mandatory NAIS.  Remember that the existing law gives the agency authority to make NAIS mandatory, and HB 461 was filed to stop a mandatory NAIS.

Questionnaire Responses

Independent Texans sent a survey to the candidates in several contested races across the State, and included a question about opposing the NAIS.  You can read the full survey responses at http://www.indytexans.org/itblog/   The survey includes questions about political reform, solar energy,  and the Trans Texas Corridor.

Below are the candidates who responded that they would oppose the NAIS: "19. Will you oppose the National Animal Identification System (”NAIS”), or so-called “animal tagging” program as an unnecessary and costly regulation of independent and family farming? For more details go to: http://farmandranchfreedom.org/content/"

Texas Senate Districts

John Carona [R] TX SD-16 yes
Rain Minns (D) TX SD-16 don’t know

Louis Bruni [R] TX SD-21 yes

Texas House Districts

Kenneth Franks (D) HD-9 “As the operator of a small ranch I oppose the excessive cost this would have on family farm operations.”
Joe Allport (L) HD-9 yes

Alan Duesterhoft (L) Hd-17 yes, sponsor

Tom Gleinser (L) TX HD-45 yes

Jerry Mikus [R] HD-50 “Yes, I will oppose it. It is more government, and more cost to the consumer.”

Daniel Boone (D) HD-73 yes-sponsor

William Keffer [R] HD-107 yes

Don Green [R] HD-118 yes

*** If you don't see yoru local candidates listed, ask them about their position on NAIS!  Then email us their response at Info@FarmAndRanchFreedom.org so we can post it ***