79R8016 BDH-D

By:  Farrar                                                       H.B. No. 1878



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to requiring warning signs regarding mercury levels in 
certain fish.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Chapter 12, Agriculture Code, is amended by 
adding Section 12.019 to read as follows:
	Sec. 12.019.  WARNING SIGN REGARDING MERCURY LEVELS IN 
CERTAIN FISH. (a) A retail fish dealer shall post a warning sign in 
a conspicuous location where it is readily visible by persons 
purchasing fresh or previously frozen fish.  The department by rule 
shall specify the size and graphic design of the sign.  The sign 
must contain the following wording:
	ATTENTION WOMEN CONSIDERING BECOMING PREGNANT, PREGNANT 
WOMEN, NURSING MOTHERS, AND PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN
	Some fish and shellfish, especially large fish such as shark, 
swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, contain high levels of 
mercury that may harm the developing nervous system of a child.
	For more information about the risks of mercury in fish and 
shellfish call the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's food 
information line toll-free at (insert toll-free telephone number).
	(b)  The department shall adopt rules to administer this 
section.     
	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, 2005.