CHAPTER 508. AREA QUARANTINE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL OR TOXIC AGENT
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.