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BILL ANALYSIS |
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By: West |
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Under current law, elementary and middle schools in certain urban school districts may apply for a grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) for demonstration agricultural projects in those schools. This bill would permit nonprofit organizations, such as the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H, to partner with a school in an application for a grant.
As proposed, S.B. 1501 authorizes TDA to award a grant to a nonprofit organization that partners with an elementary or middle school for a demonstration agricultural project.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 48.001, Agriculture Code, as follows: Sec. 48.001. CREATION.
(a) Creates this subsection from existing text.
(b) Authorizes the Department of Agriculture (TDA) to award a grant under Subsection (a) to a nonprofit organization that partners with a school described by Subsection (a) to establish a project described by Subsection (a) at the school.
SECTION 2. Amends Section 48.002, Agriculture Code, as follows:
Sec. 48.002. ELIGIBILITY. Provides that a public elementary or middle school, or a nonprofit organization that partners with the school, subject to available funds, is eligible to receive a grant under this chapter if the school submits to TDA, at the time and in the form required by TDA, a proposal for a demonstration agricultural project that includes a statement from the school that the nonprofit organization is partnering with the school, if a nonprofit organization is applying for the grant. Makes a nonsubstantive change.
SECTION 3. Amends Section 48.004, Agriculture Code, as follows: Sec. 48.004. REPORT. Requires a school or nonprofit organization that receives a grant under this chapter to report the results of the project to TDA in a manner determined by TDA.
SECTION 4. Repealer: Section 48.003 (Limits), Agriculture Code.
EFFECTIVE DATE
SECTION 5. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.