S.B. No. 1312
AN ACT
relating to certain programs to prevent vector-borne and zoonotic
diseases in border counties; requiring an occupational license;
authorizing a fee.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 76, Agriculture Code, is
amended by adding Section 76.1095 to read as follows:
Sec. 76.1095. NONCOMMERCIAL APPLICATOR LICENSE FOR
MOSQUITO CONTROL IN BORDER COUNTIES. (a) The department by rule
shall provide for the issuance of a noncommercial applicator
license that authorizes a person to purchase and use restricted-use
and state-limited-use pesticides for the limited purpose of
mosquito control in a county located along the international border
with Mexico. To the extent practicable, the department shall
minimize the fees and other requirements to obtain the license.
(b) A person may apply to the department for an original or
renewal noncommercial applicator license described by Subsection
(a). A person must apply on forms prescribed by the department and
include a fee in an amount determined by the department.
(c) The department shall issue a noncommercial applicator
license described by Subsection (a) to an applicant who meets the
license requirements provided by department rule.
(d) The department may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and
donations to implement and administer this section. The department
shall coordinate with appropriate federal agencies, state
agencies, nonprofit organizations, public and private hospitals,
institutions of higher education, and private entities in
identifying and soliciting funding to implement and administer this
section.
SECTION 2. The heading to Subchapter F, Chapter 12, Health
and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER F. [OFFICE OF] BORDER HEALTH
SECTION 3. Subchapter F, Chapter 12, Health and Safety
Code, is amended by adding Section 12.072 to read as follows:
Sec. 12.072. VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASE MITIGATION
IN BORDER COUNTIES. (a) To address vector-borne and zoonotic
diseases and standardize practices in counties located along the
international border with Mexico, the department shall:
(1) consult with the Department of Agriculture and
other appropriate state agencies to study:
(A) the ongoing and potential needs of border
counties related to vector-borne and zoonotic diseases;
(B) the availability of and capacity for vector
mitigation and control, including increased staffing, equipment,
education, and training; and
(C) strategies to improve or develop continuing
education and public outreach initiatives for vector-borne and
zoonotic disease prevention, including sanitation, removal of
standing water, use of repellant, and reporting to health
authorities of rashes and other symptoms of vector-borne and
zoonotic diseases;
(2) develop rapid local and regional response and
support plans for:
(A) ongoing vector-borne and zoonotic disease
control activities; and
(B) disasters, including flooding, hurricanes,
and outbreaks of vector-borne diseases; and
(3) perform any administrative actions necessary to
address the findings from the study described by Subdivision (1)
and to implement any appropriate strategies developed under this
section.
(b) The department may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and
donations to implement and administer this section. The department
shall coordinate with appropriate federal agencies, state
agencies, nonprofit organizations, public and private hospitals,
institutions of higher education, and private entities in
implementing and administering this section.
SECTION 4. 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, 2019.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1312 passed the Senate on
April 24, 2019, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1312 passed the House on
May 16, 2019, by the following vote: Yeas 133, Nays 0, two
present not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor