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.