BILL ANALYSIS
By: Isett
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The Agriculture Resources Protection Authority, or ARPA, was established to regulate the environmental impact of using pesticides and other substances used in the agriculture industry. Since the board's inception the state has transferred these functions to the Texas Department of Agriculture, the Structural Pest Control Board, TCEQ and the Texas Department of Health. The ARPA board now only meets once a year but has virtually no authority. Since other agencies and boards have been given clear authority to perform the functions originally given to ARPA, the Commissioner of Agriculture has requested disbanding the board.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
HB 3275 repeals section 76.009 of the Agriculture Code and abolishes The Agriculture Resources Protection Authority.
EFFECTIVE DATE
This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.