Texas Senate Bill SB1871

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 5/4/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/6/09

Caption

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.