AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
This bill allows for the extension request submission date to be changed administratively to accommodate unforeseen circumstances that may hinder a cotton producer's ability to make an extension request by the deadline in statute, ensuring producers are given a reasonable opportunity to make an extension request. TDA will also be able to change deadlines to account for advances in technology and other changes that call for an alternative notification period.
As proposed, S.B. 378 amends current law relating to the date by which a pest management zone may request an extension of the cotton stalk destruction deadline.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Department of Agriculture in SECTION 1 (Section 74.0032, Agriculture Code) of this bill.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 74.0032(b), Agricultural Code, as follows:
(b) Authorizes the administrative committee that governs the applicable pest management zone, if adverse weather conditions or other good cause exists, to request that the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) grant an extension of the cotton stalk destruction deadline for any specified part of the pest management zone or for the entire pest management zone. Requires that a request under this subsection be made within the period specified by TDA rule, rather than requiring that a request under this subsection be made not later than 10 business days before the applicable cotton stalk destruction deadline.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2011.