Honorable Lois W. Kolkhorst, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1312 by Lucio (Relating to certain programs to prevent vector-borne and zoonotic diseases in border counties; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Agriculture Code to provide for the issuance of a non-commercial applicator license authorizing the licensee to purchase and use certain mosquito pesticides in counties bordering Mexico. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) would be required to minimize fees and requirements to obtain the license and would be allowed to solicit and accept donations and grants for this purpose. The bill would also amend the Health and Safety Code to require the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to consult with TDA to study the ongoing and potential needs of border counties related to certain diseases related to insects, the availability and capacity for mitigation and control, and strategies to improve or develop public outreach related to those diseases. DSHS would be required to develop rapid local and regional response and support plans for ongoing disease control activities and disasters. DSHS would be allowed to accept grants and donations for this purpose. Based on the analysis of TDA, DSHS, and the Comptroller of Public Accounts, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished using existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 537 State Health Services, Department of, 551 Department of Agriculture