LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 82ND LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
May 13, 2011

TO:
Honorable Lois W. Kolkhorst, Chair, House Committee on Public Health
 
FROM:
John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
SB506 by Deuell (Relating to consumption advisories for mercury contamination in fish, crustaceans, molluscan shellfish, and other aquatic and terrestrial animals.), As Engrossed

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would allow the Director of the Department of State Health Services to use a survey of levels of mercury and mercury compounds in fish, crustaceans, shellfish, and other aquatic and terrestrial animals. The Director shall notify the public about prohibited areas or consumption advisories necessary based on the survey.

 
The bill would require the Director to issue consumption advisories for fish, crustaceans, shellfish, and other aquatic and terrestrial animals if the survey finds mercury levels of 0.3 mg/kg or higher. The Director may issue an advisory if the mercury level is less than 0.3 mg/kg if it is determined that the risk of consumption requires an advisory.

 

The bill would require the Director to post consumption advisories on the website of the department and through any other appropriate means. 

 

The bill would take effect immediately if it receives two-thirds vote of all members in both houses; otherwise it takes effect September 1, 2011.  

 

This analysis assumes that any fiscal implications can be absorbed within existing resources.


Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.


Source Agencies:
529 Health and Human Services Commission, 537 State Health Services, Department of, 802 Parks and Wildlife Department
LBB Staff:
JOB, CL, MB, BM, VJC