Texas Agriculture Code - AGRIC § 111.005. Liability for Improper Baling

(a) A person who delivers to a common carrier a bale of cotton that is not tied or bound as required by Section 111.004(b) of this code shall forfeit to the state not less than $50 nor more than $250.  A suit may be brought in the name of the state to recover that forfeiture.

(b) A person who receives for storage, loads for transportation, or transports in this state a bale that is not tied or bound as required by Section 111.004(b) of this code is liable for damages to any of the person's employees who is injured in the course of employment by a dangerously exposed end of band or buckle or dangerously exposed or protruding part of a tie, band, buckle, or splice.  The employer and not the employee has the duty to inspect the bales of cotton.