TITLE: Relating to the regulation of livestock export-import processing facilities; creating a criminal offense.

SUMMARY: Relating to the regulation of livestock export-import processing facilities; creating a criminal offense.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the regulation of livestock export-import processing facilities; creating a criminal offense. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 161, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding Section 161.0603 to read as follows: Sec. 161.0603. REGULATION OF EXPORT-IMPORT PROCESSING FACILITIES. (a) In this section, "export-import facility" means a public or private livestock export-import processing facility, including department facilities, established in Subchapter Bof Chapter 146, Texas Agriculture Code, that is a land border port in this state with the capacity to receive and hold livestock and livestock products for transportation in international trade. (b) A person as owner or person in charge of an export-import facility shall notify the commission within 24 hours of an animal received or held at the facility being refused export out of this state or entry into another country. (c) If an authorized commission employee considers it necessary, the commission may require an animal held at an export-import facility be tested or treated for a disease or pest. The commission may require the testing or treatment before the animal is removed from the export-import facility. The state may not be required to pay the cost of fees charged for the testing or treatment. (d) The commission may, for disease or pest control purposes, adopt any rules necessary to carry out the purpose of this subchapter, including rules regarding reporting requirements, recordkeeping, movement, inspections, testing, and treatment. (e) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly moves an animal in violation of a rule adopted under this section. (f) An offense under this section is a Class Cmisdemeanor unless it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant was previously convicted under this section, in which event the offense is a Class Bmisdemeanor. SECTION 2. 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.