There would be an indeterminate cost to the state dependent on the amount of appropriations, gifts, grants, or interest earned on the fund.
The
bill would amend the Government Code to establish the Texas Livestock and Rodeo
Education and Continuation Grant Program. The bill would also establish the
Texas Livestock and Rodeo Education and Continuation Fund as a fund outside the
state treasury and administered by the Office of the Governor (OOG). The fund
would consist of money appropriated, credited, or transferred by the
legislature; gifts or grants; and interest earned on deposits and investments
of the fund. The fund may only be used to implement the Texas Livestock and
Rodeo Education and Continuation Grant Program, including the costs of grant
program administration and operation.
The
bill would authorize the OOG, at the direction of the Texas Livestock and Rodeo
Education and Continuation Board (Board), to disburse money from the fund
without appropriation, to county fairs and local rodeos for the purpose of
providing certain assistance. The OOG, in consultation with the Board, would
adopt rules as necessary to implement the bill.
The
bill would establish certain criteria of the members of the Board and require
the Board to establish and administer the grant program. The bill would direct
certain requirements for recipients and awards. This bill would provide the
Board rulemaking authority and require the Board to employ officers and
employees as necessary. The Board would submit a report of the status of the fund and grant program not later than December
1 of each even-numbered year to each member of the Legislature.
The OOG estimates 4.0 FTE positions totaling $1,115,010 in FTE-related costs and various other operating expenses for the 2026-27 biennium. Additionally, OOG estimates technology costs of $252,720 for the 2026-27 biennium to build and maintain a new grant system. This analysis assumes all administrative costs would be paid out of the Texas Livestock and Rodeo Education and Continuation Fund.
Note: This legislation would do one or more of the following: create or recreate a dedicated account in the General Revenue Fund, create or recreate a special or trust fund either in, with, or outside the Treasury, or create a dedicated revenue source. The fund, account, or revenue dedication included in this bill would be subject to funds consolidation review by the current Legislature.
The fiscal implications of the bill cannot be determined at this time.