By: González of El Paso H.B. No. 1958
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the regulation of livestock export-import processing
facilities; creating a criminal offense.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 161, Agriculture Code, is
amended by adding Section 161.0603 to read as follows:
Sec. 161.0603. REGULATION OF EXPORT-IMPORT PROCESSING
FACILITIES. (a) In this section, "export-import facility" means a
public or private livestock export-import processing facility,
including department facilities, established in Subchapter B of
Chapter 146, Texas Agriculture Code, that is a land border port in
this state with the capacity to receive and hold livestock and
livestock products for transportation in international trade.
(b) A person as owner or person in charge of an
export-import facility shall notify the commission within 24 hours
of an animal received or held at the facility being refused export
out of this state or entry into another country.
(c) If an authorized commission employee considers it
necessary, the commission may require an animal held at an
export-import facility be tested or treated for a disease or pest.
The commission may require the testing or treatment before the
animal is removed from the export-import facility. The state may
not be required to pay the cost of fees charged for the testing or
treatment.
(d) The commission may, for disease or pest control
purposes, adopt any rules necessary to carry out the purpose of this
subchapter, including rules regarding reporting requirements,
recordkeeping, movement, inspections, testing, and treatment.
(e) A person commits an offense if the person
knowingly moves an animal in violation of a rule adopted under this
section.
(f) An offense under this section is a Class C
misdemeanor unless it is shown on the trial of the offense that the
defendant was previously convicted under this section, in which
event the offense is a Class B misdemeanor.
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, 2021.