Texas House Bill HB3289

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the penalties for a violation of a quarantine or rule to protect pecans or pecan trees from diseases or pests; increasing civil penalties.

Impact

The proposed changes would directly modify the Agriculture Code, establishing clearer guidelines and stiffer penalties for violators of quarantine regulations related to pecans. The bill allows affected parties to opt for compliance agreements as an alternative to facing civil penalties, facilitating a more collaborative approach while still holding parties accountable for violations. The law's revision reflects the need to protect agricultural integrity and the economic value associated with pecan farming, which is a significant sector in Texas agriculture.

Summary

House Bill 3289 is focused on enhancing the penalties associated with the violation of quarantines or rules intended to safeguard pecans and pecan trees from diseases and pests. The legislation proposes to increase civil penalties significantly, allowing for fines ranging from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $20,000 for each violation, with daily violations being treated as separate offenses. This increase aims to strengthen enforcement mechanisms to protect an important agricultural asset in Texas, thus emphasizing the state's commitment to pest management and agricultural health.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 3289 appears to be supportive among agricultural advocates and stakeholders, who recognize the necessity of stringent measures to combat emerging threats to pecan crops. The discussions suggest a consensus that, while penalties are becoming more severe, this is a needed deterrent against neglect and non-compliance with pest management regulations. However, there may be concerns from smaller growers about the financial impact of these penalties, particularly in cases of first violations.

Contention

One notable point of contention revolves around the potential financial burden imposed by the increased penalties on smaller farming operations. While larger commercial operations may have the resources to handle such penalties, smaller entities might struggle, which could disrupt local economies. Additionally, some industry voices might advocate for a more graduated penalty structure to encourage compliance without imposing exorbitant fees for minor infractions. The bill's provisions justify stricter enforcement but could lead to debates about balancing regulation with the economic viability of small-scale pecan farmers.