By:  Bernsen                                           S.B. No. 261
                                A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to the warnings pet stores must provide concerning
 1-3     reptile-associated salmonellosis; providing an administrative
 1-4     penalty.
 1-5           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-6           SECTION 1.  Chapter 81, Health and Safety Code, is amended by
 1-7     adding Subchapter I to read as follows:
 1-8                    SUBCHAPTER I.  ANIMAL-BORNE DISEASES
 1-9           Sec. 81.351.  DEFINITION.  In this subchapter, "pet store"
1-10     means a retail store that sells animals as pets.
1-11           Sec. 81.352.  WARNING SIGN REQUIRED; BOARD RULES.  (a)  The
1-12     owner or operator of a pet store that sells reptiles shall:
1-13                 (1)  post a sign warning of reptile-associated
1-14     salmonellosis in accordance with board rules; and
1-15                 (2)  ensure that a written warning related to
1-16     reptile-associated salmonellosis is provided to each purchaser of a
1-17     reptile.
1-18           (b)  The board shall adopt rules to govern:
1-19                 (1)  the form and content of the sign required by
1-20     Subsection (a) and the manner and place of posting of the sign; and
1-21                 (2)  the form and content of the written warning
1-22     required by Subsection (a).
1-23           Sec. 81.353.  ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY.  If the department
1-24     determines that this subchapter has been violated, the department
1-25     may impose an administrative penalty of not more than $500 for each
 2-1     act of violation.
 2-2           SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2001.