BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 979

By: Hughes

Agriculture & Livestock

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised regarding inconsistencies in statute relating to the use of cuttings as a form of propagation for citrus plants, and it is noted that these inconsistencies act together to prohibit the sale of certain citrus plants that propagate by cuttings. S.B. 979 seeks to address these concerns by including cuttings as a form of propagation for the citrus budwood and citrus nursery stock certification programs.

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. 979 amends the Agriculture Code to include cuttings as a form of propagation for the citrus budwood and citrus nursery stock certification programs.

EFFECTIVE DATE

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