Texas House Bill HB1908

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• 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
• Enrolled: 5/18/09
• Passed: 5/27/09

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.