BILL ANALYSIS
By: Swinford
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Cotton growers, in partnership with the state and federal governments, have made significant investments toward the eradication of boll weevils and pink boll worms in this state. It is essential to the well-being of the cotton industry and the agricultural economy of this state that the investments of the cotton growers and the state and federal governments be protected.
HB 3226 repeals the program retention referendum required in each eradication zone. One final referendum will be required in each zone. HB 3226 also creates a statewide maintenance program for boll weevil and pink boll worm eradication to eliminate any potential areas of unexpected infestation.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Department of Agriculture and to the Texas Agriculture Commissioner in SECTION 3 of this bill.
ANALYSIS
This bill recognizes the efforts that have been made to eradicate boll weevils and pink bollworms from the state and establishes a maintenance program to continue these efforts. The bill authorizes the commissioner of agriculture (commissioner) to conduct only one referendum in each zone on or after September 1, 2005, and requires the commissioner to ensure adequate notice of the referendum.
This bill also defines and establishes the maintenance program for boll weevil and pink bollworm eradication and outlines the necessary rules and fees for this maintenance program.
EFFECTIVE DATE
This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.