Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3451 Latest Draft

Bill / Engrossed Version Filed 04/18/2017

                            85R19041 BEF-F
 By: Stucky, González of El Paso, Ashby, H.B. No. 3451
 Springer, Cyrier, et al.


 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 AN ACT
 relating to the study and approval of lethal pesticides for feral
 hog control.
 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 76, Agriculture Code, is
 amended by adding Section 76.048 to read as follows:
 Sec. 76.048.  FERAL HOG TOXICANTS; STUDY REQUIRED.  (a)
 Notwithstanding any other law, the department may not register,
 approve for use, or allow the use of a lethal pesticide, including
 warfarin, for feral hog control in this state unless a study under
 Subsection (b) recommends the pesticide be registered for that use.
 (b)  A state agency or institution of higher education may
 perform a scientific study of potential feral hog control measures
 in this state. The study must:
 (1)  include controlled field trials;
 (2)  examine the potential use of warfarin or other
 lethal pesticides for feral hog control;
 (3)  assess the negative impacts to wildlife,
 agricultural interests, and property owners of the control measures
 included in the study; and
 (4)  assess the environmental consequences of the
 control measures included in the study.
 (c)  A state agency or institution of higher education shall
 publish the findings, recommendations, and results of a study under
 Subsection (b) in the Texas Register.
 (d)  A state agency or institution of higher education that
 performs a study under Subsection (b):
 (1)  is subject to Chapter 552, Government Code, in
 connection with the study; and
 (2)  shall hold public hearings to obtain input from
 the public and appropriate stakeholders.
 SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
 a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
 provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
 Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
 Act takes effect September 1, 2017.