BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 820
80R11861 JMM-D By: Orr (Hegar)
S/C on Ag., Rural Affairs, & Coastal Resources
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently, a beekeeper does not need to have a pest control license to remove, collect, or destroy honey bees as long as the bees are not attached to a public dwelling or structure. Also, the beekeeper must be registered with the Texas Structural Pest Control Board (board) and the chief apiary inspector and is prohibited from using pesticides or electrical devices other than conventional bee smokers or other equipment allowed by law.
H.B. 820 allows beekeepers to not register with the board and to collect, remove, or destroy honey bees that are attached to a public structure or dwelling in order to qualify for an exemption under the Texas Structural Pest Control Act.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 1951.056(a), Occupations Code, to delete existing text providing that, except as provided by Sections 1951.212 (Integrated Pest Management Programs for School Districts) and 1951.457(c) (related to rules adopted regarding the distribution of a certain pest control sheet), this chapter does not apply to a person acting as a beekeeper, as defined by Section 131.001 (Definitions), Agriculture Code, who is registered with the Texas Structural Pest Control Board and collects, removes, or destroys honey bees not attached to a dwelling or structure occupied by the public.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2007.