SRC-JLB S.B. 1700 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1700 78R8996 JMM-DBy: Wentworth Natural Resources 3/29/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, the state weather modification program is split into two components, which places the technical and permitting function with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and the grant function with the Texas Department of Agriculture. As proposed, S.B. 1700 moves the grant function of the weather modification program to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. 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 20.001, Agriculture Code, as added by Chapter 376, Acts of the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001, as follows: Sec. 20.001. FINDINGS. Provides that the legislature finds that the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), rather than the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), is the proper state agency to administer grants to political subdivisions for weather modification and control activities. SECTION 2. Amends Section 20.002, Agriculture Code, as added by Chapter 376, Acts of the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001, as follows: Sec. 20.002. New heading: DEFINITIONS. Defines "department" and makes a conforming change in the formatting of the Section. SECTION 3. (a) Effective date: September 1, 2003. (b) Requires TDA and the TDLR to adopt a memorandum of understanding not later than October 1, 2003, that provides for the transfer of the weather modification and control grant program under Chapter 20, Agriculture Code, as added by Chapter 376, Acts of the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001, from TDA to TDLR. Requires the memorandum of understanding to prescribe the manner by which the transfer shall be accomplished and provide for the transfer to TDLR of funds appropriated to TDA and other money received by TDA under Chapter 20, Agriculture Code, for the administration of the grant program as well as the transfer of any files, records, equipment, property, and personnel necessary to accomplish the transfer. Requires the transfer required by this subsection to be completed not later than January 1, 2004.