The bill would amend the Agriculture Code to provide that at any time after an assessment becomes delinquent, the corporation may investigate conditions that relate to the prompt remittance of the assessment by a citrus producer. If the corporation determines a citrus producer has failed to remit an assessment as required by the bill, the bill authorizes the corporation to either independently bring suit to obtain appropriate injunctive relief or a judgment in the amount due to the corporation, or request the Department of Agriculture, the attorney general, or a county or district attorney file suit on the corporation's behalf. The bill requires a court to order certain injunctive relief. The bill allows the corporation to seek additional relief in its petition for injunctive relief, outlines what makes a petition sufficient, and details venue and recovery of expenses.
Based on information provided by the Office of Court Administration, the Texas Department of Agriculture, and t
he Office of Attorney General, it is assumed that duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished utilizing existing resources.
The bill would take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2021.
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.