88R20490 MP-D

By: Goodwin H.B. No. 3322

Substitute the following for H.B. No. 3322:

By: Cain C.S.H.B. No. 3322

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the establishment of the office of food system security and resiliency in the Department of Agriculture.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 12, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding Section 12.052 to read as follows:

Sec. 12.052. OFFICE OF FOOD SYSTEM SECURITY AND RESILIENCY. (a) In this section, "office" means the office of food system security and resiliency established by this section.

(b) The office of food system security and resiliency is established as a division within the department.

(c) The office is responsible for food system security and resiliency in this state, including:

(1) coordinating state resources and programs so food access industry professionals can efficiently use resources to meet the needs of this state;

(2) ensuring a food system in this state that is free of disruption;

(3) promoting the growth, manufacture, and processing of agricultural products in this state for farm-to-store and farm-to-table consumption;

(4) developing regional food system security and resiliency planning by working with other state agencies, counties, municipalities, school districts, and local governments; and

(5) promoting policies to establish more localized food markets or food access points through measures such as:

(A) connecting retailers, distributors, municipalities, counties, school districts, and other local governments to local producers; and

(B) collaborating with local stakeholders to expand food access across this state.

(d) The office shall, not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, make recommendations to the legislature for legislation that may improve food system security and resiliency in this state.

(e) If the Texas food system security and resiliency planning council is established by an Act of the 88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023, the office shall manage that council and coordinate with that council to implement Subsection (c)(5).

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.