BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 743

By: Hall

Agriculture & Livestock

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted that the olive oil industry is rapidly expanding in Texas and has been suggested that the creation of an advisory board to promote the growth, research, and funding of the industry will help to ensure the industry's continued success in Texas. S.B. 743 provides for such an advisory board.

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. 743 amends the Agriculture Code to establish the nine-member Texas Olive Oil Industry Advisory Board with members appointed by the commissioner of agriculture. The bill sets out provisions relating to the composition of the board and provides for its administration and operation. The bill requires the board to review and provide guidance on rules impacting the olive and olive oil industry in Texas and assist the Department of Agriculture (TDA) in doing the following:

· assessing the state of the industry in Texas;

· developing recommendations to the commissioner and the legislature to promote and expand the industry in Texas;

· identifying and obtaining grants and gifts to promote and expand the industry in Texas; and

· developing a long-term vision and marketable identity for the industry in Texas that take into consideration future industry development, funding, research, educational programming, risk management, and marketing.

The bill authorizes the board to accept gifts and grants from any source to be used to carry out a board function and exempts the board from statutory provisions governing state agency advisory committees.    

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2019.