SRC-JLB C.S.S.B. 1700 78(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 1700 78R12887 KEG-DBy: Wentworth Natural Resources 4/23/2003 Committee Report (Substituted) 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. C.S.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. Sets forth provisions regarding the transfer of the weather modification and control grant program from TDA to TDLR. SECTION 4. Requires TDA and TDLR to adopt a memorandum of understanding not later than the 30th day after the effective date of this Act that provides for the transfer, by that date, of any files, records, equipment, property, and personnel necessary to accomplish the transfer of the weather modification and control grant program from TDA to TDLR. SECTION 5. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2003.