HBA-JRA H.B. 2809 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2809 By: Swinford Agriculture & Livestock 7/26/1999 Enrolled BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE After the deregulation of railroads during the 75th Texas Legislature, many industries, particularly the grain industry, faced immediate uncertainty regarding the transportation of commodities. H.B. 2809 requires the Texas Department of Agriculture, the Railroad Commission of Texas, and the Texas Department of Transportation to jointly conduct a comprehensive study of grain transportation in Texas. 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. GRAIN TRANSPORTATION STUDY. Requires the Department of Agriculture, the Railroad Commission of Texas, and the Texas Department of Transportation to jointly conduct a comprehensive study of grain transportation in Texas. Provides that the study must include data available from grain elevator operators, railroads, and truck operators and analyze the performance and costs associated with the transportation of grain by rail or truck. Provides that a report of the study must be filed with the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives by January 2, 2001. SECTION 2. EMERGENCY. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.