By: Orr Senate Sponsor-Hegar H.B. No. 820

(In the Senate - Received from the House April 30, 2007; May 2, 2007, read first time and referred to Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Affairs and Coastal Resources; May 19, 2007, reported favorably from Committee on Natural Resources by the following vote: Yeas 11, Nays 0; May 19, 2007, sent to printer.)

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the application of the Texas Structural Pest Control Act to certain beekeepers.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 1951.056(a), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) Except as provided by Sections 1951.212 and 1951.457(c), this chapter does not apply to a person acting as a beekeeper, as defined by Section 131.001, Agriculture Code, who:

(1) is registered [with the board and] with the chief apiary inspector as provided by Subchapter C, Chapter 131, Agriculture Code;

(2) does not use pesticides or electrical devices other than conventional bee smokers or equipment as defined by Section 131.001, Agriculture Code; and

(3) collects, removes, or destroys honey bees [not attached to a dwelling or structure occupied by the public].

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.

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