Sponsored by: Rep. Jessica Farrar (D-Houston)
Summary: High mercury levels in fish are known to harm the nervous systems of some developing fetuses and young children. Because of this, fish with high mercury levels are considered unsafe for women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, nursing mothers, and young children. HB 299 would have required the testing of fish sold by retail fish dealers to ensure that mercury levels are safe for pregnant women and young children. The bill would have required that a warning sign be posted in any establishment where a fish sample contained unsafe amounts of mercury. The sign would have cautioned pregnant women and parents of the potential harm from consuming that type of fish.
HB 299 would have required the testing of fish sold by retail fish dealers to ensure that mercury levels are safe for pregnant women and young children. The bill would have required that a warning sign be posted in any establishment where a fish sample contained unsafe amounts of mercury. The sign would have cautioned pregnant women and parents of the potential harm from consuming that type of fish.
PPNT Position: Supported — Providing pregnant women and parents with information about the possible dangers from eating certain fish could help them protect their families' health.
Latest Action: 01/31/2007 - Assigned to the House Culture, Recreation, and Tourism committee.
Recorded Votes: None.
