86R3351 BEF-F
 
  By: Nevárez H.B. No. 1563
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the licensing and regulation of animal export-import
  processing facilities; providing penalties; requiring an
  occupational license; authorizing fees.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 12.020(c), Agriculture Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         (c)  The provisions of law subject to this section and the
  applicable penalty amounts are as follows:
 
 
Provision Amount of Penalty  
 
 
Chapters 13, 14A, 17, 18, 19, 41, 46, 61, 72, 73, 74, 76, 94, 95, 101, 102, 103, 125, 132,    
 
Chapters 13, 14A, 17, 18, 19, 41, 46, 61, 72, 73, 74, 76, 94, 95, 101, 102, 103, 125, 132,    
 
Chapters 13, 14A, 17, 18, 19, 41, 46, 61, 72, 73, 74, 76, 94, 95, 101, 102, 103, 125, 132,    
 
and 134 not more than $5,000
 
 
 
 
Subchapters A, B, and C, Chapter 71 not more than $5,000
 
Chapter 14 not more than $10,000
 
Subchapter C, Chapter 146 not more than $5,000
 
Chapter 1951, Occupations Code not more than $5,000
 
Chapter 153, Natural Resources    
 
Code not more than $5,000
 
Section 91.009 not more than $5,000.
         SECTION 2.  Chapter 146, Agriculture Code, is amended by
  adding Subchapter C to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER C.  LICENSING AND INSPECTION OF EXPORT-IMPORT PROCESSING
  FACILITIES
         Sec. 146.041.  DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "facility"
  means an export-import processing facility that:
               (1)  is located in this state;
               (2)  is authorized under 9 C.F.R. Part 91, Subpart B;
  and
               (3)  has the capacity to receive and hold animals and
  animal products for transportation in international trade.
         Sec. 146.042.  POWERS AND DUTIES OF DEPARTMENT. (a)  The
  department has exclusive authority to license facilities in this
  state.
         (b)  The department shall adopt rules to implement,
  administer, and enforce this subchapter, including:
               (1)  requirements to obtain and renew a license;
               (2)  standards governing a license holder's operation
  of a facility necessary to protect the public's health, safety, and
  welfare and the safety of animals held by a facility;
               (3)  fees for the issuance and renewal of a license in
  amounts necessary to recover the department's direct and indirect
  costs of administering this subchapter; and
               (4)  a schedule of sanctions for violations of this
  subchapter and rules adopted under this subchapter.
         (c)  A governmental entity is exempt from the license and
  renewal fees under Subsection (b)(3).
         Sec. 146.043.  LICENSE REQUIRED. A person may not operate a
  facility unless the person holds a license issued under this
  subchapter.
         Sec. 146.044.  ENFORCEMENT. (a)  The department may impose
  an administrative penalty or other administrative sanction for a
  violation of this subchapter or a rule adopted under this
  subchapter, including a penalty or sanction under Section 12.020 or
  12.0201.
         (b)  The department may suspend or revoke a license for a
  violation of this subchapter or a rule adopted under this
  subchapter.
         SECTION 3.  Section 12.020(c), Agriculture Code, as amended
  by this Act, and Sections 146.043 and 146.044, Agriculture Code, as
  added by this Act, do not apply before the 90th day after rules
  under Section 146.042(b)(1), Agriculture Code, as added by this
  Act, become effective.
         SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2019.