Sec. 1951.254. PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAM. (a) The department shall establish a public information program as provided by this section and Sections 1951.453-1951.456 to inform the public about the practice and regulation of structural pest control.

(b) The department may create a public information program advisory committee to assist in the development of a public information program.

(c) The department shall make available to the public and other appropriate state agencies the information compiled as part of the program.

(d) The public information program must:

(1) include the adoption and distribution, in a manner that the department considers appropriate, of a standard form for complaints under this chapter;

(2) inform prospective applicants for licensing under this chapter about the qualifications and requirements for licensing;

(3) inform applicants, license holders, and the public on the department's Internet website, in department brochures, and on any other available information resource about the department's enforcement process under this chapter, including each step in the complaint investigation and resolution process, from initial filing thorough final appeal; and

(4) inform license holders that a license holder may obtain information about a complaint made against the license holder and may obtain on request a copy of the complaint file.

(e) The department shall develop a clear, factual, and balanced information sheet of one or more pages containing information on:

(1) the pest control industry;

(2) chemicals used in structural pest control;

(3) general health and safety issues relating to structural pest control;

(4) precautions to take before, during, and after application;

(5) steps to take if a misapplication, including an underapplication or an overapplication, is suspected; and

(6) any other matters determined by the department.

(f) The information sheet must include:

(1) the names and telephone numbers of the department and the Department of State Health Services;

(2) the telephone number of any pesticide hotline established by a state or federal agency or by a state university;

(3) a statement of a consumer's rights under Chapter 601, Business & Commerce Code, to cancel a home solicitation transaction; and

(4) information concerning the availability of any pretreatment inspection service that may be provided by the department under Section 1951.210.

(g) The department shall develop a sign to be posted in the area of an indoor treatment that contains:

(1) the date of the planned treatment; and

(2) any other information required by the department.

(h) The department shall make available a consumer and industry telephone hotline to provide direct access to the Structural Pest Control Service to ensure timely and efficient assistance with industry and consumer needs.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1421, Sec. 4, eff. June 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278), Sec. 2.29, eff. April 1, 2009.

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 890 (H.B. 2458), Sec. 1.30, eff. September 1, 2007.

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 506 (S.B. 1016), Sec. 7.11, eff. September 1, 2009.