SRC-MKV S.B. 746 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 746
By: Staples
Natural Resources
5/28/2001
Enrolled


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The Department of Agriculture (department) has the ability to conduct rural
economic development initiatives based on authority granted by Article 6,
Rider 14, of the General Appropriations Act.  The rider directed the
department to develop a memorandum of understanding with the Texas
Department of Economic Development for the purpose of establishing and
maintaining a statewide economic development program for rural areas.  S.B.
746 places this authority in statute. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Department of Agriculture
in SECTION 2 of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 12, Agricultural Code, by adding Section 12.027,
as follows: 

Sec. 12.027.  ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.  (a) Requires the Department of
Agriculture (department) to maintain an economic development program
(program) for rural areas in this state. 

  (b) Requires the department, in administering the program, to:

   (1) promote economic growth in rural areas;

(2) identify potential opportunities for business in rural areas and assist
rural communities in maximizing those opportunities; 

(3) work with rural communities to identify economic development needs and
direct those communities to persons who can address and assist in meeting
those needs; 

(4) encourage communication between organizations, industries, and regions
to improve economic and community development services to rural areas; 

(5) coordinate meetings with public and private entities to distribute
information beneficial to rural areas; 

(6) enter into a memorandum of agreement to work cooperatively with the
Texas Department of Economic Development, the Texas Agricultural Extension
Service, and other entities the department deems appropriate to further
program objectives; and 

   (7) perform any other functions necessary to carry out the program.

  (c) Authorizes the department to employ personnel to carry out the
program. 
 
SECTION 2.  (a) Effective date: September 1, 2001.

(b) Requires the department to adopt rules for the administration of
Section 12.027, Agriculture Code, as added by this Act, before December 1,
2001. 

(c) Requires the department to enter into the memorandum of agreement
required by Section 12.027(b)(6), Agriculture Code, as added by this Act,
before December 1, 2001.