Sec. 131.043. PERMITS FOR INTRASTATE SHIPMENT. (a) A person may not ship or cause to be shipped bees or equipment between counties in this state unless the person has a permit issued by the chief apiary inspector authorizing the shipment.

(b) A person may apply for a permit under this section by filing an application for a permit with the inspector before the 10th day preceding the date of shipment. An application for a permit must include:

(1) the name, address, and telephone number of the beekeeper;

(2) a complete description of the bees or equipment to be moved;

(3) the number of intercounty movements anticipated;

(4) the destination of each shipment; and

(5) the approximate date or dates of movement.

(c) If a person files an application in accordance with Subsection (b) of this section and the inspector is satisfied that the shipment does not pose a threat to disease control in the beekeeping industry, the inspector shall issue a permit authorizing the shipment.

(d) The inspector shall charge a fee for each permit issued under this section. The inspector shall set the fee at an amount that is reasonable in relation to the costs of administering this section, but at not less than $25.

(e) An individual who owns not more than 12 colonies of bees is exempt from the permit fee charged under Subsection (d) of this section.

(f) A permit issued under this section entitles the permittee to move the bees or equipment between the designated counties during the state fiscal year in which the permit was issued.

Amended by Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 1884, ch. 350, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1983; Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 418, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.