BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 827
S/C on Ag., Rural Affairs, & Coastal Resources
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Current law allows elementary schools in large urban districts to apply for grants for the purpose of establishing demonstration agriculture projects or other projects designed to foster an understanding and awareness of agriculture. However, middle schools are not included in current statute.
As proposed, S.B. 827 allows middle schools in large urban districts to apply for an agriculture project grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 48.001, Agriculture Code, as follows:
Sec. 48.001. CREATION. Requires the Texas Department of Agriculture by rule to develop a program to award grants to public elementary and middle schools, rather than solely to public elementary schools, located in large urban school districts for the purpose of establishing certain agriculture projects.
SECTION 2. Amends Section 48.002, Agriculture Code, as follows:
Sec. 48.002. ELIGIBILITY. Decreases the enrollment bracket relating to eligibility to receive a grant under this chapter (Agricultural Projects in Certain Urban Schools) from 49,000 to 30,000 students. Makes a conforming change.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.