Texas 2011 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB338 Comm Sub / Bill

                    82R13798 JXC-D
 By: Aycock H.B. No. 338
 Substitute the following for H.B. No. 338:
 By:  Lozano C.S.H.B. No. 338


 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 AN ACT
 relating to disclaimers by certain entities promulgating lists of
 noxious or invasive terrestrial plant species.
 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 SECTION 1.  Subchapter D, Chapter 71, Agriculture Code, is
 amended by adding Section 71.154 to read as follows:
 Sec. 71.154.  DISCLAIMER REQUIRED. (a)  A public entity,
 other than the department, that produces for public distribution to
 commercial or residential landscapers a list of noxious or invasive
 terrestrial plant species that includes a species growing in this
 state shall provide with the list a disclaimer that states: "THIS
 PLANT LIST IS ONLY A RECOMMENDATION AND HAS NO LEGAL EFFECT IN THE
 STATE OF TEXAS.  IT IS LAWFUL TO SELL, DISTRIBUTE, IMPORT, OR
 POSSESS A PLANT ON THIS LIST UNLESS THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF
 AGRICULTURE LABELS THE PLANT AS NOXIOUS OR INVASIVE ON THE
 DEPARTMENT'S PLANT LIST."
 (b)  A public entity, other than the department, that
 produces a list of noxious or invasive terrestrial plant species in
 printed material made for public distribution to commercial or
 residential landscapers, including a newspaper, trade publication,
 notice, circular, or Internet website, shall post the disclaimer
 required by Subsection (a) in at least 12-point type in a
 conspicuous location readily visible by persons viewing the list.
 (c)  The department shall adopt rules requiring a public
 entity to include the disclaimer required by Subsection (a) in a
 manner equivalent to the manner described by Subsection (b) for
 publication of the entity's list of noxious or invasive terrestrial
 plant species through media not described by Subsection (b),
 including billboards, radio productions, and television
 productions.
 SECTION 2.  Section 71.154, Agriculture Code, as added by
 this Act, applies only to a list that is published or distributed on
 or after the effective date of this Act. A list that is published or
 distributed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the
 law in effect immediately before the effective date of this Act, and
 the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
 SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.