Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1016

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
4/8/09  
Voted on by Senate
4/16/09  
Out of House Committee
5/13/09  
Voted on by House
5/21/09  
Governor Action
6/19/09  
Bill Becomes Law
 
Enrolled
5/26/09  

Caption

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Department of Agriculture and the Prescribed Burning Board, the creation of the Texas Bioenergy Policy Council and Texas Bioenergy Research Committee, and the abolition of the Texas-Israel Exchange Fund Board; providing penalties.

Impact

The bill's enactment will result in significant changes to the operations and structures within Texas agriculture. It reinforces the authority of the Department of Agriculture over various agricultural practices, ensuring that essential components like prescribed burning are regulated by qualified professionals. Additionally, resources allocated for the newly established Bioenergy Policy Council are anticipated to drive research and technological advancements in sustainable agricultural practices, potentially placing Texas at the forefront of bioenergy development in the United States.

Summary

SB1016 proposes the continuation and various functions of the Department of Agriculture while specifically addressing the operations of the Prescribed Burning Board and the creation of the Texas Bioenergy Policy Council and the Texas Bioenergy Research Committee. This legislation aims to enhance the state's agricultural policy framework by fostering innovation in bioenergy, improving water management practices, and ensuring that prescribed burning is conducted safely and effectively under state oversight. One of the notable changes includes the abolition of the Texas-Israel Exchange Fund Board, redirecting its focus toward more efficient agricultural operations.

Contention

There are discussions around the bill that touch on potential concerns regarding the appropriateness of the regulatory frameworks set forth for prescribed burning. Critics may argue that while ensuring safety is crucial, the regulations could impose unnecessary burdens on farmers and ranchers, possibly hindering agricultural productivity. Furthermore, the abolition of the Texas-Israel Exchange Fund Board raises questions about the implications for international agricultural partnerships that previously benefited from that board's initiatives.

Companion Bills

TX HB3236

Identical Relating to the continuation and functions of the Department of Agriculture and the Prescribed Burning Board and the abolition of the Texas-Israel Exchange Fund Board.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1565

Relating to the functions of the Texas Water Development Board and continuation and functions of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee.

TX SB1424

Relating to the continuation and functions of the State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Texas Invasive Species Coordinating Committee.

TX SB1351

Relating to the functions of the Texas Water Development Board and continuation and functions of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee.

TX HB1545

Relating to the continuation and functions of the State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Texas Invasive Species Coordinating Committee.

TX SB1940

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office.

TX HB1520

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX SB1727

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX HB1515

Relating to the continuation and functions of and certain programs subject to rules adopted by the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office.

TX SB1397

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

TX HB1505

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Similar Bills

TX HB3236

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Department of Agriculture and the Prescribed Burning Board and the abolition of the Texas-Israel Exchange Fund Board.

TX SB1779

Relating to the establishment of the official citrus producers' pest and disease management corporation; providing penalties.

TX HB4578

Relating to the establishment of the official citrus producers' pest and disease management corporation; providing penalties.

TX SB1666

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Bioenergy Policy Council and the Texas Bioenergy Research Committee.

TX SB853

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Energy and Communications Commission to consolidate the functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Railroad Commission of Texas.

TX HB2381

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Energy and Communications Commission to consolidate the functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Railroad Commission of Texas.

TX HB1302

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Energy and Communications Commission to consolidate the functions of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Railroad Commission of Texas.

TX SB1749

Relating to citrus pest and disease management.