HBA-JRA H.B. 2 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2
By: Swinford
Agriculture & Livestock
6/24/1999
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Agriculture is a major component in Texas' economy, creating numerous job
opportunities for Texans.  Prior to the 76th Legislature, Texas lacked a
consistent statewide policy addressing the agriculture industry, from
production to processing, and ensuring the economic survival of
agricultural industries and businesses.  H.B. 2 sets forth legislative
findings and a state agricultural policy and requires the legislature to
conduct a comprehensive study of the condition of agriculture, the state's
current programs in support of agriculture, and the role of the state in
preserving the agriculture industry. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Provides that this Act shall be known as the Agriculture and
Rural Development Act of 1999. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Title 1, Agriculture Code, by adding Chapter 2, as
follows: 

CHAPTER 2.  STATE AGRICULTURAL POLICY

Sec. 2.001.  DEFINITIONS.  Defines "agriculture" in this chapter.

Sec. 2.002.  FINDINGS.  Sets forth legislative findings.

Sec. 2.003.  POLICY.  Provides that the agricultural policy of this state
must consider and address: 

(1)  water availability issues, including planning for water supplies and
drought preparedness and response;  

(2)  transportation issues, including the farm-to-market road system and
intermodal transportation; 

(3)  state regulatory issues;

(4) state tax policy;

(5)  the availability of capital, including state loans or grants
authorized by Section 52-a, Article III, Texas Constitution (Assistance to
Encourage State Economic Development); 

(6)  the promotion of Texas agricultural products, including development of
domestic and foreign markets; 

(7)  eradication or control of injurious pests and diseases that affect
crops and livestock; 
 

(8)  research and education efforts, including financial risk management
and consumer education and education in the public schools; 

(9)  promotion of efficient utilization of soil and water resources;

(10)  rural economic and infrastructure development;

(11)  protection of property rights and the right to farm;

(12)  preservation of farmland;

(13)  food safety;

(14)  efforts to participate in the formulation of federal programs and
policies; 

(15)  promotion of rural fire service; and

(16) promotion of value-added agricultural enterprises.

SECTION 3.  Requires the legislature to conduct a comprehensive study of
the condition of agriculture, the state's current programs in support of
agriculture, and the role of the state in preserving the agriculture
industry.  Requires the study to be conducted in a manner determined by the
lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representative, with
the assistance of the Texas Department of Agriculture, the comptroller, the
Texas Department of Economic Development, and other agencies and
institutions of higher education as determined by the lieutenant governor
and the speaker of the house of representatives. 

SECTION 4.Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.