Sec. 71.0081.  VEHICLE INSPECTIONS FOR INSECT PESTS OR PLANT DISEASES.  (a)  If the department establishes a quarantine or, without establishing a quarantine, determines that there is a likelihood of introduction or dissemination of an insect pest or plant disease that is dangerous to the interests of horticulture or agriculture in this state, the department may stop and inspect vehicles entering this state or moving within this state to determine if the vehicle contains a plant, plant product, or other substance capable of introducing or disseminating the pest or disease.
(b)  The department may conduct inspections under this section on a continual or periodic basis, as the commissioner determines is necessary or effective.
(c)  The department may establish checkpoints to carry out the purposes of this subchapter at entry points to the state or along any public road in the state and construct permanent road stations at the checkpoints in cooperation with other state agencies.
(c-1)  The department may enter into an agreement with a corporation or other private entity to provide goods or services for the establishment and operation of checkpoints or the performance of inspections under this section.
(d)  The department may adopt rules necessary to the conduct of inspections under this section.
Added by Acts 1981, 67th Leg., 1st C.S., p. 242, ch. 22, art. II, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1236, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.
Amended by: 
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1337 (S.B. 9), Sec. 2, eff. June 18, 2005.