Honorable Charles Perry, Chair, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3451 by Stucky (Relating to the study and approval of lethal pesticides for feral hog control.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Texas Agriculture Code, Section 76.048 to prohibit the Department of Agriculture (TDA) from registering, approving for use, or allowing the use of a lethal pesticide, including warfarin, for feral hog control unless a study by a state agency or institution of higher education recommends the pesticide be registered for that use. A state agency or institution of higher education may perform such a study, which must include controlled field trials, examine the potential use of warfarin or other lethal pesticides for feral hog control; and assess the negative impacts and environmental consequences of such a pesticide. If this study is completed, the bill would require the results to be published in the Texas Register. The state agency or institution of higher education that performs such a study would be subject to Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, related to the study and any meetings, hearing, or research conducted or public comments received in connection with the study, and would be required to hold public hearings to obtain input from the public and appropriate stakeholders.
Based on responses from various state agencies and institutions of higher education, this analysis assumes that implementation of the provisions of this bill could be accomplished within existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.