88R20177 MP-D
 
  By: Thimesch H.B. No. 4644
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to an alert system for dangerous plant and wildlife pests
  and diseases administered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
  Service.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter K, Chapter 88, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 88.823 to read as follows:
         Sec. 88.823.  PEST, DISEASE, AND QUARANTINE ALERT SYSTEM.
  (a) With the cooperation of the Department of Agriculture, the
  Texas Animal Health Commission, and the Parks and Wildlife
  Department, the extension service shall develop and implement a
  statewide Internet-based alert system for notifications related to
  wildlife and plant pests, diseases, and quarantines. The alert
  system must issue notifications for:
               (1)  a confirmed case of a dangerous plant or wildlife
  pest or disease;
               (2)  the establishment, modification, or removal of a
  pest or disease quarantine order; and
               (3)  any compliance agreements entered into with the
  Department of Agriculture related to a pest or disease quarantine.
         (b)  The alert system established under this section must:
               (1)  issue notifications through e-mail; and
               (2)  provide for enrollment in the alert system for
  delivery of a system notification.
         (c)  The extension service shall enter into a memorandum of
  understanding with the Department of Agriculture, the Texas Animal
  Health Commission, and the Parks and Wildlife Department to ensure
  the extension service is able to issue a required notification
  under Subsection (a) within 72 hours of an applicable action by
  those agencies.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.