Sec. 161.0445.  REGULATION OF EXPORT-IMPORT PROCESSING FACILITIES.  (a)  In this section, "export-import facility" means a public or private livestock export-import processing facility 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.  The term includes a department facility authorized by Subchapter B, Chapter 146.
(b)  The owner or person in charge of an export-import facility shall notify the commission not later than 24 hours after an animal received or held at the facility is refused export out of this state or entry into another country.
(c)  The commission may require that an animal held at an export-import facility be tested or treated for a disease or pest if an authorized commission employee considers the test or treatment necessary.  The commission may require the testing or treatment be performed before the animal is removed from the export-import facility.  This state is not liable for the amount of any fee charged for the testing or treatment.
(d)  The commission may, for disease or pest control purposes, adopt rules necessary to implement, administer, and enforce this section.  The rules may include reporting and recordkeeping requirements and provisions governing the movement, inspection, testing, or treatment of animals.
(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 C misdemeanor, except that the offense is a Class B misdemeanor if it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant has been previously convicted under this section.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 329 (H.B. 1958), Sec. 1, eff. June 7, 2021.