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


Senate Research Center   S.B. 746
77R3718 JMG-FBy: Staples
Natural Resources
3/2/2001
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the Department of Agriculture (department) has the ability to
conduct rural economic development initiatives based on authority allowed
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.