BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 2769

By: Meza

Agriculture & Livestock

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Bees play a crucial role in pollinating crops and maintaining biodiversity in Texas. However, the state's bee population has been declining due to various factors such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and disease. To address this issue, many Texans have taken up beekeeping as a hobby or profession, contributing to the growth of the state's bee industry. In Texas, beekeepers are required to obtain a permit to move their bees from one county to another. The permit requirement is intended to protect against the spread of diseases and pests that can threaten local bee populations. However, the permit process can be cumbersome and time-consuming, which can hinder the ability of beekeepers to manage their hives effectively. In addition, some beekeepers have expressed frustration with the fees and paperwork involved in the permit process. C.S.H.B. 2769 seeks to address this issue by repealing provisions that require a permit for the intrastate shipment of bees and related equipment in order to help beekeepers transport their hives more easily and efficiently, promote the growth of the bee industry, and address the declining bee population in Texas.

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

C.S.H.B. 2769 repeals Agriculture Code provisions that require a permit for the intrastate shipment of bees and related equipment and amends the Agriculture Code to remove a provision that establishes an offense for shipping bees within Texas without a permit. The bill applies only to an offense committed on or after the bill's effective date. The bill provides for the continuation of the law in effect before the bill's effective date for purposes of an offense, or any element thereof, that occurred before that date.

C.S.H.B. 2769 repeals Section 131.043, Agriculture Code.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2023.

COMPARISON OF INTRODUCED AND SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 2769 differs from the introduced in minor or nonsubstantive ways by conforming to certain bill drafting conventions.