Relating to a prohibition on weather modification and control; creating a criminal offense.

89(R) HB 1382 - Introduced version - Bill Text

By: Virdell

H.B. No. 1382

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a prohibition on weather modification and control;

creating a criminal offense.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Title 9, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding

Chapter 303 to read as follows:

CHAPTER 303.

WEATHER MODIFICATION AND CONTROL PROHIBITED

Sec.

303.001.

DEFINITION. In this chapter, "weather

modification and control" means the injection, release, or

dispersion, by any means, of a chemical, chemical compound,

substance, or apparatus for the purpose of affecting temperature,

weather, or the intensity of sunlight.

Sec.

303.002.

PROHIBITION ON WEATHER MODIFICATION AND

CONTROL. A person may not engage in weather modification and

control.

Sec.

303.003.

ENFORCEMENT. (a)

A person commits an offense

if the person violates this chapter.

(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

(c)

A person commits a separate offense for each day the

violation occurs.

SECTION 2. Chapters 301 and 302, Agriculture Code, are

repealed.

SECTION 3. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to

an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act. An

offense committed before the effective date of this Act is governed

by the law in effect on the date the offense was committed, and the

former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For purposes of

this section, an offense was committed before the effective date of

this Act if any element of the offense occurred before that date.

SECTION 4. (a) An action, including a disciplinary or

administrative proceeding, pending under Chapter 301, Agriculture

Code, or Chapter 51, Occupations Code, on the effective date of this

Act related to a violation of Chapter 301, Agriculture Code, as that

chapter existed immediately before the effective date of this Act,

is dismissed.

(b) An administrative penalty assessed by the Texas

Commission of Licensing and Regulation before the effective date of

this Act related to a violation of Chapter 301, Agriculture Code, as

that chapter existed immediately before the effective date of this

Act, may be collected as provided by Chapter 51, Occupations Code.

(c) The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation shall

return to a person who holds a valid license or permit issued under

Chapter 301, Agriculture Code, as that chapter existed immediately

before the effective date of this Act, a prorated portion of the fee

paid to the department for the issuance or renewal of the license or

permit.

SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.