Relating to certain regulatory programs administered by the Department of Agriculture; providing penalties; imposing fees.
Impact
The bill is expected to strengthen enforcement mechanisms for agricultural regulations by introducing more structured penalties for non-compliance, which could deter potential violations. Existing license and registration processes will be streamlined, making it easier for entities to understand their obligations under the law. By raising awareness and compliance through increased monitoring of weighing and measuring devices, the bill aims to enhance public trust in commercial transactions involving agriculture, potentially leading to a more robust agricultural economy in Texas.
Summary
Senate Bill 1433 introduces significant updates to the regulatory framework governing agricultural practices in Texas, particularly concerning the management of commercial weighing and measuring devices. The bill proposes amendments and additions to several sections of the Agriculture Code, establishing clearer penalties for violations, enhancing registration requirements, and defining the roles of service technicians and companies involved in device maintenance. These changes aim to improve the integrity of commercial transactions involving agricultural products by ensuring that measurements are accurate and that businesses comply with state regulations.
Sentiment
Overall sentiment around SB 1433 appears to be largely supportive among regulatory bodies and agricultural associations that emphasize the necessity for consistent and reliable measurement standards. Proponents see it as a step toward modernizing Texas's agricultural infrastructure. However, some concerns have been raised about the administrative burden and costs associated with compliance for smaller businesses, which could lead to unintentional violations and financial penalties.
Contention
The contention primarily revolves around the implementation and enforcement of the proposed regulations. Opponents argue that the increased regulatory framework could disproportionately affect smaller agricultural operations that may struggle to meet these new compliance demands. There is also debate over the appropriateness of the penalties defined in the bill, with some stakeholders advocating for a more gradual approach to penalties and compliance timelines to allow for adjustment and training for those involved in managing weighing and measuring devices.
Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of lactation consultants and the creation of the Lactation Consultant Advisory Board; requiring an occupational license; imposing fees; providing penalties; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.
Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.
Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners; imposing fees and issuing fee permits; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.
Relating to the development and implementation of the Live Well Texas program to provide health benefit coverage to certain individuals; imposing penalties.
Relating to the transfer of the regulation of motor fuel metering and motor fuel quality from the Department of Agriculture to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing fees.
Relating to the transfer of the regulation of motor fuel metering and motor fuel quality from the Department of Agriculture to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing fees.
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.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Department of Agriculture, the Prescribed Burning Board, and the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation and the abolishment of the Early Childhood Health and Nutrition Interagency Council.
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Department of Agriculture, the Prescribed Burning Board, and the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation and the abolishment of the Early Childhood Health and Nutrition Interagency Council.