Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB1908

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
3/30/09  
Voted on by House
4/9/09  
Out of Senate Committee
5/4/09  
Voted on by Senate
5/12/09  
Governor Action
5/27/09  
Bill Becomes Law
 
Enrolled
5/18/09  

Caption

Relating to the safety of the fresh fruit and vegetables produced in this state.

Impact

To achieve its objectives, HB1908 proposes the establishment of a new section within the Agriculture Code aimed at coordinating food safety initiatives. The Texas Department of Agriculture would take the lead in assisting the fresh produce industry with food safety issues. This includes developing and promoting training and awareness programs that cover sound agricultural practices, proper food handling, and disease prevention techniques. The bill builds a framework for collaboration among various institutions, including colleges, extension services, health departments, and industry stakeholders.

Summary

House Bill 1908 seeks to enhance the safety standards for fresh fruits and vegetables produced in Texas. The bill emphasizes the agricultural sector's importance, citing its substantial contribution of $103 billion to the state's economy and the employment of one in seven Texans. It underscores food safety as a priority, highlighting the risks posed by contamination—whether accidental or deliberate—and the potential economic repercussions that could arise from such events. As such, the bill advocates for increased awareness and better practices among growers and packers to ensure food safety integrity.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on enhancing food safety, there may be points of contention regarding its implementation. Questions may arise about the sufficiency of funding for the proposed training programs and whether there will be adequate oversight in enforcing these new standards. Stakeholders in the agricultural sector might express concerns about any potential burdens the bill could impose on small farmers, particularly regarding the costs associated with training and compliance with new food safety regulations.

Companion Bills

TX SB1901

Identical Relating to the safety of the fresh fruit and vegetables produced in this state.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3991

Relating to Texas Fruit and Vegetable Day in public schools.

TX HB3874

Relating to the establishment of a grocery access investment fund program.

TX HB2509

Relating to the establishment of a grocery access investment fund program.

TX SB664

Relating to the labeling of analogue and cell-cultured products.

TX HB1788

Relating to the labeling of analogue and cell-cultured products.

TX HB3373

Relating to the administration, implementation, and enforcement of federal produce safety standards by the Department of Agriculture.

TX HB13

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX HB127

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX HB3589

Relating to the transfer of the administration of school nutrition programs from the Texas Department of Agriculture to the Texas Education Agency.

TX SB829

Relating to cottage food production operations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.