By Bernsen                                             S.B. No. 261
         77R3602 YDB-D                           
                                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 a criminal penalty.
 1-4           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-5           SECTION 1. Chapter 81, Health and Safety Code, is amended by
 1-6     adding Subchapter I to read as follows:
 1-7                    SUBCHAPTER I.  ANIMAL-BORNE DISEASES
 1-8           Sec. 81.351.  DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "pet store"
 1-9     means a retail store that sells animals as pets.
1-10           Sec. 81.352.  WARNING SIGN REQUIRED; BOARD RULES. (a)  The
1-11     owner or operator of a pet store that sells reptiles shall:
1-12                 (1)  post a sign warning of reptile-associated
1-13     salmonellosis in accordance with board rules; and
1-14                 (2)  ensure that a written warning related to
1-15     reptile-associated salmonellosis is provided to each purchaser of a
1-16     reptile.
1-17           (b)  The board shall adopt rules to govern:
1-18                 (1)  the form and content of the sign required by
1-19     Subsection (a) and the manner and place of posting of the sign; and
1-20                 (2)  the form and content of the written warning
1-21     required by Subsection (a).
1-22           Sec. 81.353.  CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a)  A person commits an
1-23     offense if the person knowingly violates this subchapter or a rule
1-24     adopted under this subchapter.
 2-1           (b)  An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
 2-2           SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2001.