H.B. No. 1958
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 161.0445 to read as follows:
Sec. 161.0445. REGULATION OF EXPORT-IMPORT PROCESSING
FACILITIES. (a) In this section, "export-import facility" means a
public or private livestock export-import processing facility 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. The term includes a department facility
authorized by Subchapter B, Chapter 146.
(b) The owner or person in charge of an export-import
facility shall notify the commission not later than 24 hours after
an animal received or held at the facility is refused export out of
this state or entry into another country.
(c) The commission may require that an animal held at an
export-import facility be tested or treated for a disease or pest if
an authorized commission employee considers the test or treatment
necessary. The commission may require the testing or treatment be
performed before the animal is removed from the export-import
facility. This state is not liable for the amount of any fee
charged for the testing or treatment.
(d) The commission may, for disease or pest control
purposes, adopt rules necessary to implement, administer, and
enforce this section. The rules may include reporting and
recordkeeping requirements and provisions governing the movement,
inspection, testing, or treatment of animals.
(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,
except that the offense is a Class B misdemeanor if it is shown on
the trial of the offense that the defendant has been previously
convicted under this section.
SECTION 2. Section 161.0445(b), Agriculture Code, as added
by this Act, applies to an owner or person in charge of an
export-import facility beginning on the 30th day after the
effective date of this Act or on a later date provided by an order
issued by the executive director of the Texas Animal Health
Commission.
SECTION 3. 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.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 1958 was passed by the House on April
16, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 143, Nays 2, 2 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 1958 was passed by the Senate on May
19, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: _____________________
Date
_____________________
Governor