(a) The governing body of a municipality or the commissioners court of a county may enforce any law that is reasonably necessary to protect the public health.
(b) The governing bodies of municipalities and the commissioners courts of counties may cooperate with one another in making necessary improvements and providing services to promote the public health in accordance with Chapter 791, Government Code.

Terms Used In Texas Health and Safety Code 121.003

  • Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
  • Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005

(c) The commissioners court of a county may grant authority under this subsection to a county employee who is trained by a health authority appointed by the county under § 121.021, by a local health department established under § 121.031, or by a public health district established under § 121.041 and who is not a peace officer. The court may grant to the employee the power to issue a citation in an unincorporated area of the county to enforce any law or order of the commissioners court that is reasonably necessary to protect the public health. A citation issued under this subsection must state the name of the person cited, the violation charged, and the time and place the person is required to appear in court. If a person who receives a citation under this subsection fails to appear on the return date of the citation, the court may issue a warrant for the person’s arrest for the violation described in the citation.