84R32393 BPG-D

By: Faircloth H.C.R. No. 133

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Gulf Coast plays a vital role in the Texas economy, and the oyster ranks among the most valuable resources of the region as a popular food and as the mainstay of an important harvesting and processing industry; and

WHEREAS, Texas coastal waters and bays face continual, often harsh challenges, which can negatively impact the viability of the oysters there; these challenges include natural phenomena such as drought, storms, disease, and algae blooms, as well as man-made destruction caused by oil spills and other incidents; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 84th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby request that the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives create a joint interim committee to study oyster resource management in Texas waterways, including the growing, transplanting, and harvesting of oysters; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the study specifically develop recommendations to better protect, develop, and propagate oysters in order to support and enhance the oyster industry; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the joint interim committee be composed of five members of the Texas Senate, three of whom represent districts adjacent to oyster-producing bay systems, and five members of the Texas House of Representatives, three of whom represent districts adjacent to oyster-producing bay systems; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the chair or co-chairs of the committee be chosen from among the members representing districts with significant oyster production; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the committee submit a full report, including findings and recommendations, to the 85th Texas Legislature in January 2017; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the committee's proceedings and operations be governed by such general rules and policies for interim committees as the 84th Texas Legislature may adopt.