81R14485 TRH-D
By: Farrar, Rios Ybarra, Gonzalez Toureilles H.B. No. 681
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 681:
By: Hardcastle C.S.H.B. No. 681
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to requiring warning signs regarding mercury levels in
certain fish.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 437, Health and Safety Code, is amended
by adding Section 437.022 to read as follows:
Sec. 437.022. WARNING SIGN REGARDING MERCURY LEVELS IN
CERTAIN FISH. (a) A retail fish dealer shall post a warning sign in
a conspicuous location where it is readily visible by persons
purchasing fresh or previously frozen fish. The department by rule
shall specify the size and graphic design of the sign. The sign
must contain the following wording:
ATTENTION WOMEN CONSIDERING BECOMING PREGNANT, PREGNANT
WOMEN, NURSING MOTHERS, AND PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN
Some fish and shellfish, especially large fish such as shark,
swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, contain high levels of
mercury that may harm the developing nervous system of a child.
For more information about the risks of mercury in fish and
shellfish call the Texas Department of State Health Services' food
information line toll-free at (insert toll-free telephone number).
(b) The department shall adopt rules to administer this
section.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.