Enrolled Bill Summary

Senate Bill 1772	Senate Author:  Zaffirini et al.
Effective:  Vetoed	House Sponsor:  Zwiener et al.

            Senate Bill 1772 amends the Education Code to require Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and the Parks and Wildlife Department, to establish and implement the Texas Pollinator‑Smart program to encourage the voluntary establishment and conservation of habitats for bees, birds, and other pollinators in and near solar energy sites. The bill requires the extension to develop related educational materials and to award the Texas Pollinator‑Smart certificate to solar energy sites with pollinator habitats that meet or achieve an applicable standard. Implementation of a provision of this bill by the extension is mandatory only if a specific appropriation is made for that purpose.

Governor's Reason for Veto: "Senate Bill 1772 offered a program that was totally voluntary. Voluntary laws are not needed to drive public behavior."