BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.H.B. 2345
80R20088 E By: Anderson, Aycock (Watson)
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has a National Organic Standards accredited program to certify organic products. However, TDA does not have any program or activity that specifically monitors, promotes, or expands the organic industry in Texas. In 2005, organic food sales hit $20 billion in the United States. Currently, Texas is not in the top 10 states in terms of organic production; however, there is an opportunity for Texas to expand the production of organic food in the state. The formation of an Organic Industry Advisory Board could assist TDA in supporting this industry.
C.S.H.B. 2345 creates a Texas Organic Agricultural Industry Advisory Board at TDA.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to any state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Title 3, Agriculture Code, by adding Chapter 50C, as follows:
CHAPTER 50C. TEXAS ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD
Sec. 50C.001. DEFINITION. Defines "board."
Sec. 50C.002. COMPOSITION. (a) Sets forth the composition of the 13-member Texas Organic Agricultural Industry Advisory Board (board) to be appointed by the commissioner of agriculture (commissioner).
(b) Requires the board to elect a presiding officer from among its members.
(c) Sets forth the terms of the board members. Authorizes members to be reappointed at the end of a term.
(d) Provides that Chapter 2110 (State Agency Advisory Committees), Government Code, does not apply to the size, composition, or duration of the board.
(e) Provides that service on the board by a state officer or employee is an additional duty of the member's office or employment. Provides that members of the board are not entitled to compensation or reimbursement for expenses.
Sec. 50C.003. DUTIES. Requires the board to assist the Department of Agriculture (TDA) in certain actions and to review and provide guidance on rules impacting the organic agricultural products industry in Texas.
Sec. 50C.004. MEETINGS. Requires the board to meet at least once annually and authorizes the board to meet at other times considered necessary by the commissioner.
Sec. 50C.005. STAFF. Provides that the board is administratively attached to TDA. Requires TDA to provide the board with the staff necessary to carry out the board's duties under this chapter.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2007.