CHAPTER 508. AREA QUARANTINE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL OR TOXIC AGENT - Texas Statutes

HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE

TITLE 6. FOOD, DRUGS, ALCOHOL, AND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

SUBTITLE D. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

CHAPTER 508. AREA QUARANTINE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL OR TOXIC AGENT

Sec. 508.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:

(1) "Environmental or toxic agent" means any bacterium or other

disease-producing organism, toxic substance, radioactive

substance, or other hazardous substance capable of causing

widespread human illness, death, or substantial negative economic

impact.

(2) "Health authority" means a physician appointed as a health

authority or a regional director under Chapter 121.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1022, Sec. 1, eff. June 20,

2003.

Sec. 508.002. APPLICABILITY. This chapter applies to any

circumstance in which an environmental or toxic agent is

introduced into the environment, including an act of terrorism.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1022, Sec. 1, eff. June 20,

2003.

Sec. 508.003. AREA QUARANTINE. (a) If the commissioner of

public health or one or more health authorities determine that

the introduction of an environmental or toxic agent into the

environment has occurred, the commissioner or authorities may

impose an area quarantine in the manner and subject to the

procedures provided for an area quarantine imposed under Section

81.085. The commissioner of public health or a health authority

may, with respect to an area quarantine imposed under this

chapter, exercise any power for a response to the introduction of

an environmental or toxic agent into the environment under this

section that is authorized by Section 81.085 for a response to an

outbreak of a communicable disease. The area quarantine must be

accomplished by the least restrictive means necessary to protect

public health considering the availability of resources.

(b) A quarantine imposed by a health authority under this

section expires at the earlier of:

(1) the 24th hour after the time the quarantine is imposed; or

(2) the time that appropriate action to terminate the quarantine

or impose superseding requirements is taken under Chapter 418,

Government Code, or is taken by the commissioner of public health

under this section.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1022, Sec. 1, eff. June 20,

2003.

Sec. 508.004. CRIMINAL PENALTY. A person commits an offense if

the person knowingly fails or refuses to obey an order or

instruction of the commissioner of public health or a health

authority issued under this chapter and published during an area

quarantine under this section. An offense under this subsection

is a felony of the third degree.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1022, Sec. 1, eff. June 20,

2003.