SRC-TJG H.B. 1858 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterH.B. 1858
78R7392 AKH-DBy: Wise (Staples)
                Natural Resources
                    5-9-2003
Engrossed

DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the Texas Department of Agriculture operates the Go Texan
program to promote state agriculture products.  H.B. 1858 expands the
categories of products that may be included in the Go Texan program,
allowing any industry, not just agriculture industries, that produces
products in Texas to join said program. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to
a state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 12.002, Agriculture Code, as follows:
 
Sec. 12.002.  DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE.  Requires the Texas Department
of Agriculture (TDA) to encourage the proper development and promotion of
agriculture, horticulture, and other industries that grow, process, or
produce products in this state. 

SECTION 2.  Amends the heading of Section 12.0175, Agriculture Code, to
read as follows: 
 
 Sec. 12.0175.  GROWN OR PRODUCED IN TEXAS PROGRAM.
 
SECTION 3.  Amends Sections 12.0175(a) and (b), Agriculture Code, as
follows: 

(a)  Authorizes TDA by rule to establish programs to promote and market
agricultural products and other products grown, processed, or produced in
the state. 

(b)  Authorizes TDA to charge a membership fee, as provided by TDA rule,
for each participant in a program. 

SECTION 4.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2003.