By: Watson S.B. No. 1454
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 or
otherwise approve for use in this state a lethal pesticide,
including warfarin, for feral hog control 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 economic consequences to hunters,
hunting and sporting industries, 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) is subject to Chapters 551 and
552, Government Code, in connection with the study and any
meetings, hearings, or research conducted or public comments
received in connection with the study.
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.