By: Lucio, Flores S.B. No. 1312

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to certain programs to prevent vector-borne and zoonotic diseases in border counties; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee.

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

SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 76, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding Section 76.1095 to read as follows:

Sec. 76.1095. NONCOMMERCIAL APPLICATOR LICENSE FOR MOSQUITO CONTROL IN BORDER COUNTIES. (a) The department by rule shall provide for the issuance of a noncommercial applicator license that authorizes a person to purchase and use restricted-use and state-limited-use pesticides for the limited purpose of mosquito control in a county located along the international border with Mexico. To the extent practicable, the department shall minimize the fees and other requirements to obtain the license.

(b) A person may apply to the department for an original or renewal noncommercial applicator license described by Subsection (a). A person must apply on forms prescribed by the department and include a fee in an amount determined by the department.

(c) The department shall issue a noncommercial applicator license described by Subsection (a) to an applicant who meets the license requirements provided by department rule.

(d) The department may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations to implement and administer this section. The department shall coordinate with appropriate federal agencies, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, public and private hospitals, institutions of higher education, and private entities in identifying and soliciting funding to implement and administer this section.

SECTION 2. The heading to Subchapter F, Chapter 12, Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER F. [OFFICE OF] BORDER HEALTH

SECTION 3. Subchapter F, Chapter 12, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Section 12.072 to read as follows:

Sec. 12.072. VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASE MITIGATION IN BORDER COUNTIES. (a) To address vector-borne and zoonotic diseases and standardize practices in counties located along the international border with Mexico, the department shall:

(1) consult with the Department of Agriculture and other appropriate state agencies to study:

(A) the ongoing and potential needs of border counties related to vector-borne and zoonotic diseases;

(B) the availability of and capacity for vector mitigation and control, including increased staffing, equipment, education, and training; and

(C) strategies to improve or develop continuing education and public outreach initiatives for vector-borne and zoonotic disease prevention, including sanitation, removal of standing water, use of repellant, and reporting to health authorities of rashes and other symptoms of vector-borne and zoonotic diseases;

(2) develop rapid local and regional response and support plans for:

(A) ongoing vector-borne and zoonotic disease control activities; and

(B) disasters, including flooding, hurricanes, and outbreaks of vector-borne diseases; and

(3) perform any administrative actions necessary to address the findings from the study described by Subdivision (1) and to implement any appropriate strategies developed under this section.

(b) The department may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations to implement and administer this section. The department shall coordinate with appropriate federal agencies, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, public and private hospitals, institutions of higher education, and private entities in implementing and administering this section.

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.