Relating to the management of volunteer and other noncommercial cotton in pest management zones.
Impact
The bill intensifies existing regulations related to cotton management by establishing strict rules concerning the destruction of volunteer cotton. It introduces a 'hostable cotton fee' which applies to fields that do not meet the cotton stalk destruction deadlines. This fee is designed to incentivize cotton growers to eliminate noncommercial cotton timely and effectively, thus supporting the eradication of pests like the boll weevil.
Summary
SB1871 addresses the management of volunteer and other noncommercial cotton within pest management zones in Texas. It recognizes volunteer cotton as a public nuisance that jeopardizes the state's cotton industry, particularly its boll weevil eradication efforts. The bill empowers the Department of Agriculture to enact measures aimed at the destruction and control of these types of cotton, underlining their threat to public health and safety due to potential pest infestations.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB1871 may stem from the imposition of fees and the authority given to the Department of Agriculture regarding destruction protocols. There may be pushback from cotton growers regarding the financial burden imposed by the hostable cotton fee, as well as concerns about the loss of autonomy related to their cotton management practices. Moreover, the bill emphasizes the state's regulatory power over local agricultural practices, which could raise issues among stakeholders who prefer local control.
Relating to the creation of the Jones Avenue Municipal Management District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Jones Avenue Municipal Management District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Montgomery County Management District No. 2; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Jones Avenue Municipal Management District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the West Lake Ranch Municipal Management District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of the Liberty County Management District No. 2; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of The Grand Prairie Management District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the board of directors of the official cotton growers' boll weevil eradication foundation and the management of certain cotton in pest management zones.
To Amend The Law Concerning The Operation Of An All-terrain Vehicle On Certain Roads; And To Amend The Law Concerning The Access Of All-terrain Vehicles To Unpaved Roads.
Outdoor recreation license plate endorsement established to allow motor vehicle access to state parks and recreation areas, including use on license plates, fees, public information, and exemptions; and money appropriated.
Outdoor recreation license plate endorsement establishment to allow motor vehicle access to state parks and recreation areas, including use on license plates, fees, public information, and exemptions