LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 76th Regular Session May 13, 1999 TO: Honorable J.E. "Buster" Brown, Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources FROM: John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE: HB 3277 by Cook (Relating to research in agriculture production and its effect on water use and availability and wildlife habitats.), As Engrossed ************************************************************************** * No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. * ************************************************************************** The bill would establish an Agriculture/Wildlife Research and Management Advisory Committee at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station consisting of 13 members. The Committee would advise the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in conducting agriculture/wildlife research, encourage communication with other states, and establish a framework for more efficient management of water as it relates to wildlife habitat and agricultural production in the Gulf Coast Region. The Texas Agricultural Experiment Station would be required to administer an agriculture/wildlife research program with competitive grants and funding for research, maximize federal funds received for such research, and develop a research plan. The Texas Agricultural Extension Service would be required to provide educational programs on agriculture, water use, and wildlife habitats and conduct public awareness programs. Members of the Agriculture/Wildlife Research and Management Advisory Committee would incur minimal travel expenses, which are not expected to be significant. Local Government Impact No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Source Agencies: 556 Agricultural Experiment Station Texas LBB Staff: JK, DE, KC