S.B. No. 552

	AN ACT
	relating to the accreditation of basic food safety education and
	training programs for food handlers.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1.  Section 438.041, Health and Safety Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	Sec. 438.041.  DEFINITION.  In this subchapter:
	(1)  "Department"[, "department"] means the [Texas]
	Department of State Health Services.
	(2)  "Food handler" means a food service employee who
	works with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or
	food-contact surfaces.
	SECTION 2.  Subchapter D, Chapter 438, Health and Safety
	Code, is amended by adding Section 438.0431 to read as follows:
	Sec. 438.0431.  BASIC FOOD SAFETY ACCREDITATION.
	(a)  Notwithstanding Section 438.043, the department may accredit
	an education or training program for basic food safety for food
	handlers as provided by this section.
	(b)  The executive commissioner of the Health and Human
	Services Commission shall by rule define the basic food safety
	training or education required to be included in a course
	curriculum. The course length may not exceed two hours.
	(c)  A training or education program accredited under this
	section may require a participant to achieve a passing score on an
	examination to successfully complete the course for certification.
	(d)  A program accredited under this section may be delivered
	through the Internet.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.
	______________________________	______________________________
	President of the Senate	Speaker of the House
	I hereby certify that S.B. No. 552 passed the Senate on
	March 28, 2007, by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.
	______________________________
	Secretary of the Senate
	I hereby certify that S.B. No. 552 passed the House on
	May 23, 2007, by the following vote:  Yeas 144, Nays 0, two
	present not voting.
	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House
	Approved:
	______________________________
	Date
	______________________________
	Governor