S.B. No. 552
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to the accreditation of basic food safety education and
  training programs for food handlers.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 438.041, Health and Safety Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 438.041.  DEFINITION.  In this subchapter:
               (1)  "Department"[, "department"] means the [Texas]
  Department of State Health Services.
               (2)  "Food handler" means a food service employee who
  works with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or
  food-contact surfaces.
         SECTION 2.  Subchapter D, Chapter 438, Health and Safety
  Code, is amended by adding Section 438.0431 to read as follows:
         Sec. 438.0431.  BASIC FOOD SAFETY ACCREDITATION.
  (a)  Notwithstanding Section 438.043, the department may accredit
  an education or training program for basic food safety for food
  handlers as provided by this section.
         (b)  The executive commissioner of the Health and Human
  Services Commission shall by rule define the basic food safety
  training or education required to be included in a course
  curriculum. The course length may not exceed two hours.
         (c)  A training or education program accredited under this
  section may require a participant to achieve a passing score on an
  examination to successfully complete the course for certification.
         (d)  A program accredited under this section may be delivered
  through the Internet.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.
 
 
 
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 552 passed the Senate on
  March 28, 2007, by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 552 passed the House on
  May 23, 2007, by the following vote:  Yeas 144, Nays 0, two
  present not voting.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
 
  Approved:
 
  ______________________________ 
              Date
 
 
  ______________________________ 
            Governor