BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1734

By: Uresti

Agriculture & Livestock

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that Carrizo cane is a non-native invasive plant species that grows along the banks of the Rio Grande River in the Rio Grande Valley and interferes with the U.S. Border Patrol's ability to protect the Texas-Mexico border by providing cover for individuals attempting to cross the border illegally and hindering the movement and effectiveness of border patrol agents. The parties further note that trash and debris that accumulate in the cane damages the environment and that the cane uses massive amounts of freshwater resources and serves no useful ecological purpose. The parties contend that controlling Carrizo cane is essential for border protection and will provide benefits to the environment and freshwater resources.
S.B. 1734 seeks to address this issue.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 1734 amends the Agriculture Code to require the State Soil and Water Conservation Board to develop and implement a program to eradicate Carrizo cane along the Rio Grande River.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.