SRC-JLB S.B. 1123 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1123 78R7392 AKH-DBy: Staples Subcommittee on Agriculture 3/26/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, the Texas Department of Agriculture operates the Go Texan program to promote state agriculture products. As proposed, S.B. 1123 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 Rulemaking authority previously granted to the Texas Department of Agriculture is modified in SECTION 3 (Section 12.0175, Agriculture Code) of this bill. 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.