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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the protection of aquaculture operations. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 2, Agriculture Code, is amended by |
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adding Section 2.007 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 2.007. POLICY: AQUACULTURE. (a) In this section, |
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"aquaculture" has the meaning assigned by Section 134.001. |
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(b) The agricultural policy of this state must recognize |
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that aquaculture is a type of agriculture and must be awarded the |
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same rights, privileges, and protections as any other type of |
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agricultural operation. |
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SECTION 2. Section 134.001(1), Agriculture Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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(1) "Cultured species" means aquatic animals or plants |
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raised under conditions where at least a portion of their life cycle |
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is controlled by an aquaculturist. |
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SECTION 3. Section 251.002(1), Agriculture Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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(1) "Agricultural operation" includes the following |
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activities: |
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(A) cultivating the soil; |
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(B) producing crops for human food, animal feed, |
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planting seed, or fiber; |
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(C) floriculture; |
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(D) viticulture; |
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(E) horticulture; |
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(F) silviculture; |
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(G) wildlife management; |
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(H) raising or keeping livestock or poultry; |
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[and] |
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(I) planting cover crops or leaving land idle for |
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the purpose of participating in any governmental program or normal |
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crop or livestock rotation procedure; and |
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(J) aquaculture. |
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SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |