SRC-PNG S.B. 448 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 448 76R5915 DB-DBy: Duncan Agriculture 2/15/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, boll weevil eradication programs in Texas have been financed primarily by cotton growers, with limited help from the federal government. Growers have formed, in cooperation with the Texas Department of Agriculture, eradication zones to fight the boll weevil. However, much work remains to be done, as less than 25 percent of the state's acres have begun eradication. This bill would authorize the commissioner of agriculture to expend funds appropriated by the legislature for the eradication of the boll weevil or pink bollworm in a cost-sharing program. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 448 creates a cost-sharing program as part of the boll weevil eradication program. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the agriculture commissioner in SECTION 1 (Section 74.152, Agriculture Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 74, Agriculture Code, by adding Subchapter E, as follows: SUBCHAPTER E. COST-SHARING FOR BOLL WEEVIL ERADICATION Sec. 74.151. DEFINITIONS. Defines "boll weevil," "pink bollworm," and "commissioner." Sec. 74.152. CREATION OF COST-SHARING PROGRAM. Creates a cost-sharing program to be administered under this chapter and rules adopted by the Agriculture Commissioner, as part of the program to eradicate the boll weevil and the pink bollworm. Sec. 74.153. COST-SHARING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS. Authorizes the Agriculture Commissioner to contract to obtain boll weevil eradication services with certain entities. Prohibits the Department of Agriculture (department) from providing funding for the service at a rate exceeding the rate set in the General Appropriations Act. Authorizes the department to spend money under the cost-sharing program only in certain zones. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.