(a) The commission may require slaughter plants to collect and submit blood samples and other diagnostic specimens for testing for disease.
(b) The commission by rule shall determine the method of collecting, submitting, and testing of blood samples and other diagnostic specimens.

Attorney's Note

Under the Texas Codes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
Class B misdemeanorup to 180 daysup to $2,000
Class C misdemeanorup to $500
For details, see Texas Penal Code § 12.22 and

Terms Used In Texas Agriculture Code 161.055

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Rule: includes regulation. See Texas Government Code 311.005
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

(c) The owner or operator of a slaughter plant commits an offense if the slaughter plant fails to comply with this section or a rule adopted under this section. An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor unless it is shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant has been previously convicted under this section, in which event the offense is a Class B misdemeanor.