AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Manure and fertilizer serve important but separate functions with regard to agriculture.  The primary function of fertilizer is to provide essential nutrients to the soil to encourage plant growth.  Manure provides organic matter to the soil, increasing the soil's moisture content and allowing for an increase in water retention capacity in sandy soils and both drainage and bio-aeration in clay-rich soils.  Interested parties contend that the applicability of commercial fertilizer regulations to a substance containing animal manure or plant remains needs clarification. 

 

H.B. 1969 amends current law relating to the applicability of commercial fertilizer regulations to a substance containing animal manure or plant remains.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1.  Amends Sections 63.001(8), (11), (12), and (16), Agriculture Code, to redefine "fertilizer material," "mixed fertilizer," "manipulated manure," and "specialty fertilizer."

 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 63.002(c), Agriculture Code, to provide that animal manure, rather than the excreta of an animal, plant remains, or mixtures of those substances are not commercial fertilizers subject to this chapter if no specific nutrient analysis claim indicates guaranteed nutrient level, rather than if no claim of essential plant nutrients is made.

 

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 2011.