H.B. 1858 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 1858
By: Wise
Agriculture & Livestock
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Go Texan is a program administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture
(TDA) which has received national recognition for the promotion and
marketing of Texas products.  While agriculture is one of the state's
largest industries, there are  numerous non-agricultural products that are
made, produced or manufactured in Texas, including computer software and
hardware or beverages such as Dr. Pepper, that are promoted and sold
across the United States. 

The current Go Texan program, which was established by the 76th
Legislature, has added a new dimension to the marketing of Texas
agriculture.  The campaign promotes all Texas agricultural products -
food, fiber, wine, and horticulture - under one easily recognizable
trademark  - a brand in the shape of Texas.   The purpose of this
legislation is to add non-agricultural products produced, made, or
developed in Texas to the Go Texan program administered by the Texas
Department of Agriculture.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is expressly
granted to the Texas Department of Agriculture in Sections 12.0175(a) and
(b), Agriculture Code, of this bill. 

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1858 amends the Agriculture Code by stating that TDA shall encourage
development and promotion of other industries that grow, process, or
produce products in this state.  The bill states that TDA by rule may
establish programs to promote and market agricultural products and other
products grown, processed, or produced in the state.  Additionally, it
states that TDA may charge a membership fee, as provided by department
rule, for each participant in a program. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2003.