TX
Texas Senate Bill SB506

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB506

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
4/21/11  
Introduced
2/2/11  
Voted on by Senate
4/29/11  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

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

Impact

Upon implementation, SB506 is expected to enhance public safety by providing clear guidelines for when advisories should be issued based on mercury levels. The requirement for annual surveys will ensure that information remains current, allowing for timely notifications to the public. By differentiating between risks associated with specific species and vulnerable populations, such as children, the bill aims to provide targeted health information, which could ultimately influence dietary choices among residents who consume locally sourced aquatic life.

Summary

SB506 aims to address public health concerns regarding mercury contamination in various aquatic and terrestrial animals, including fish, crustaceans, and molluscan shellfish. The bill mandates the director of the relevant department to conduct annual surveys to assess mercury levels in these animals, specifically monitoring for dangerous levels that exceed 0.3 mg/kg. Additionally, it outlines protocols for issuing consumption advisories based on survey findings, thereby informing the public about potential health risks associated with consuming these animals.

Contention

There may be contention surrounding the bill concerning the balance between necessary health warnings and the potential economic impact on local fisheries and communities reliant on fishing. Some stakeholders might argue that frequent advisories could negatively affect the public's perception of local aquatic resources, potentially leading to declines in fishing activities. Additionally, discussions about the adequacy of funding for surveys and public notifications could arise, as these are critical for the bill's success in safeguarding public health while ensuring the fishing industry's viability.

Latest SB506 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

AL HB14

Consumption of fishes, to provide for fish consumption advisories

TX HB993

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.

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.