BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 819

By: Sheffield

Public Health

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It was previously thought that only one species of mosquito carried West Nile virus, but studies indicate that 65 or more mosquito species may carry West Nile virus. Reports show that human deaths sometimes occur as a result of West Nile virus and that, in addition to West Nile virus, there are numerous other mosquito-borne diseases in Texas transmitted by various species of mosquitoes. Interested parties contend that certain parts of current law account for the danger of only one specific type of mosquito and these parties are concerned that health departments are wasting time and taxpayer money by testing mosquito larvae to determine whether the larvae is of that specific species. C.S.H.B. 819 seeks to address these concerns.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 819 amends the Health and Safety Code to remove the requirement that mosquitoes be Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes in order for a collection of water, in any location other than certain agricultural locations, that is a breeding area for mosquitoes that can transmit diseases to be considered a public health nuisance.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 819 differs from the original only by amending the caption.