BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 909

By: Williams

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Legislation is needed to promote public interest and awareness in the Texas state insect, the Monarch Butterfly.

S.B. 909 designates the first week of October as Monarch Butterfly Week. The bill specifies that, through participation in the Texas Monarch Watch program sponsored by the Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas residents and visitors may help scientists answer research questions about monarch biology and migration.

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

S.B. 909 amends the Government Code to designate the first seven days of October as Monarch Butterfly Week to encourage Texas residents and visitors to study, observe, and promote the life of the state insect, the monarch butterfly. The bill specifies that, through participation in the Texas Monarch Watch program sponsored by the Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas residents and visitors may help scientists answer research questions about monarch biology and migration.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the act does not receive the necessary vote, the act takes effect September 1, 2009.