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AN ACT
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relating to certain programs to prevent vector-borne and zoonotic |
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diseases in border counties; requiring an occupational license; |
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authorizing a fee. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 76, Agriculture Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 76.1095 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 76.1095. NONCOMMERCIAL APPLICATOR LICENSE FOR |
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MOSQUITO CONTROL IN BORDER COUNTIES. (a) The department by rule |
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shall provide for the issuance of a noncommercial applicator |
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license that authorizes a person to purchase and use restricted-use |
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and state-limited-use pesticides for the limited purpose of |
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mosquito control in a county located along the international border |
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with Mexico. To the extent practicable, the department shall |
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minimize the fees and other requirements to obtain the license. |
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(b) A person may apply to the department for an original or |
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renewal noncommercial applicator license described by Subsection |
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(a). A person must apply on forms prescribed by the department and |
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include a fee in an amount determined by the department. |
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(c) The department shall issue a noncommercial applicator |
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license described by Subsection (a) to an applicant who meets the |
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license requirements provided by department rule. |
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(d) The department may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and |
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donations to implement and administer this section. The department |
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shall coordinate with appropriate federal agencies, state |
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agencies, nonprofit organizations, public and private hospitals, |
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institutions of higher education, and private entities in |
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identifying and soliciting funding to implement and administer this |
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section. |
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SECTION 2. The heading to Subchapter F, Chapter 12, Health |
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and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows: |
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SUBCHAPTER F. [OFFICE OF] BORDER HEALTH |
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SECTION 3. Subchapter F, Chapter 12, Health and Safety |
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Code, is amended by adding Section 12.072 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 12.072. VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASE MITIGATION |
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IN BORDER COUNTIES. (a) To address vector-borne and zoonotic |
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diseases and standardize practices in counties located along the |
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international border with Mexico, the department shall: |
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(1) consult with the Department of Agriculture and |
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other appropriate state agencies to study: |
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(A) the ongoing and potential needs of border |
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counties related to vector-borne and zoonotic diseases; |
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(B) the availability of and capacity for vector |
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mitigation and control, including increased staffing, equipment, |
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education, and training; and |
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(C) strategies to improve or develop continuing |
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education and public outreach initiatives for vector-borne and |
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zoonotic disease prevention, including sanitation, removal of |
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standing water, use of repellant, and reporting to health |
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authorities of rashes and other symptoms of vector-borne and |
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zoonotic diseases; |
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(2) develop rapid local and regional response and |
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support plans for: |
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(A) ongoing vector-borne and zoonotic disease |
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control activities; and |
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(B) disasters, including flooding, hurricanes, |
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and outbreaks of vector-borne diseases; and |
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(3) perform any administrative actions necessary to |
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address the findings from the study described by Subdivision (1) |
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and to implement any appropriate strategies developed under this |
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section. |
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(b) The department may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and |
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donations to implement and administer this section. The department |
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shall coordinate with appropriate federal agencies, state |
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agencies, nonprofit organizations, public and private hospitals, |
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institutions of higher education, and private entities in |
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implementing and administering this section. |
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SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2019. |
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______________________________ |
______________________________ |
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President of the Senate |
Speaker of the House |
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I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1312 passed the Senate on |
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April 24, 2019, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. |
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______________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1312 passed the House on |
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May 16, 2019, by the following vote: Yeas 133, Nays 0, two |
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present not voting. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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Approved: |
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______________________________ |
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Date |
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______________________________ |
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Governor |