Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HB993

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to public notice by the Parks and Wildlife Department of consumption advisories for mercury contamination in certain aquatic and terrestrial animals, including fish, crustaceans, and molluscan shellfish.

Impact

The impact of HB 993 is significant as it aims to bolster public safety and health by ensuring that consumers are adequately informed about the risks posed by contaminated food sources. The bill facilitates annual surveys of mercury levels in aquatic life, which are critical in determining when advisories should be issued. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the need for clear communication via online platforms and physical signage to prevent health risks associated with mercury toxicity in public waters frequented by local communities.

Summary

House Bill 993 addresses public health concerns related to mercury contamination in aquatic and terrestrial animals within Texas. The bill amends the Parks and Wildlife Code and Health and Safety Code to establish protocols for the Parks and Wildlife Department to notify the public about consumption advisories when high mercury levels are detected in fish, crustaceans, and molluscan shellfish. It mandates the development of signs and educational materials to inform individuals at public lakes and state parks about the potential hazards associated with mercury-tainted foods.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 993 appears to be positive among public health advocates and environmental groups, as it aims to protect vulnerable populations, such as children, from the harms of mercury exposure. They argue that transparent communication and accurate data are vital for ensuring community safety. However, there may be some contention regarding funding and resource allocation for surveys and public notifications, as these factors are essential for the implementation of the law.

Contention

Notable points of contention involve the practical aspects of enforcement and funding. Questions arise about the efficacy of educational campaigns and whether the department will have sufficient resources to carry out surveys and publish advisories annually. Critics may express concern over the bill's reliance on adequate funding for its success, potentially limiting its effectiveness in regions with fewer resources. Additionally, there could be debates on how effectively such advisories can reach the communities most at risk.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB811

Relating to disclosure of certain information by the Parks and Wildlife Department or the Texas Animal Health Commission.

TX HB4018

Relating to the use of Parks and Wildlife Department land for carbon sequestration or similar ecosystem services projects.

TX SB1392

Relating to establishing the oyster council of the Parks and Wildlife Department.

TX HB2755

Relating to the minimum instruction requirement for the boater education program and the disposition and use of money received by the Parks and Wildlife Department from the boater education program.

TX SB1006

Relating to the minimum instruction requirement for the boater education program and the disposition and use of money received by the Parks and Wildlife Department from the boater education program.

TX HB3385

Relating to establishing the oyster advisory committee of the Parks and Wildlife Department.

TX HB3065

Relating to the taking of wildlife by an employee of the Parks and Wildlife Department or by a person or agent of the person on the person's property.

TX SB922

Relating to legislative leave for certain peace officers commissioned by the Parks and Wildlife Department.

TX HB1470

Relating to legislative leave for certain peace officers commissioned by the Parks and Wildlife Department.

TX SB1468

Relating to the taking of wildlife by an employee of the Parks and Wildlife Department or by a person or agent of the person on the person's property.

Similar Bills

AL HB14

Consumption of fishes, to provide for fish consumption advisories

TX SB506

Relating to consumption advisories for mercury contamination in fish, crustaceans, molluscan shellfish, and other aquatic and terrestrial animals.

AL SB105

Relating to consumption of fishes; to require the State Health Officer to issue advisories concerning fish consumption and to establish a panel to advise on and discuss this issue; to require the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to test fishes for pollutants and post signage at water bodies notifying of an active fish consumption advisory; and to require the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to notify fish license purchasers of all active advisories.

AL SB45

Fish Consumption; to create and provide procedures to implement fish consumption advisories

TX SB1214

Relating to consumption advisories for mercury contamination in fish, crustaceans, molluscan shellfish, and other aquatic and terrestrial animals.

AL HB419

Relating to consumption of fishes; to require the State Health Officer to issue advisories concerning fish consumption and to establish a panel to advise on and discuss this issue; to require the Department of Environmental Management to test fishes for pollutants and post signage at water bodies notifying of an active fish consumption advisory; to require the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to notify fish license purchasers of all active advisories; and to require holders of National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits to post signage identifying outfalls.

AL HB297

Relating to consumption of fishes; to require the State Health Officer to issue advisories concerning fish consumption and to establish a panel to advise on and discuss this issue; to require the Department of Environmental Management to test fishes for pollutants and post signage at water bodies notifying of an active fish consumption advisory; to require the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to notify fish license purchasers of all active advisories; and to require holders of National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits to post signage identifying outfalls.

CA AB762

Public health: fish and shellfish: health advisories.