Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3142

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to Department of Agriculture fiscal matters; making appropriations.

Impact

One of the notable amendments in this bill allows the Department of Agriculture to utilize revenue from various sources if it is not feasible to set the fees as specified somewhere else. This flexibility is aimed at ensuring the department can continue its regulatory functions without interruptions due to funding shortages. By allowing the use of alternate revenue sources, HB3142 ensures that the department can adapt to changing financial circumstances while still fulfilling its mandates regarding agricultural regulation.

Summary

House Bill 3142 addresses fiscal matters pertaining to the Texas Department of Agriculture, focusing on the budgeting and appropriations processes within the department. The bill seeks to amend the Agriculture Code by establishing a framework for setting fees associated with regulatory activities. These fees are intended to offset, when feasible, the direct and indirect costs of administering the department's regulatory duties. This change is significant for the state's budgetary management, allowing for better alignment between revenue generation through fees and the actual costs incurred by the department.

Contention

While the bill may have intentions to streamline operations and ensure financial stability for the Department of Agriculture, concerns may arise about the transparency and accountability of how funds—especially those sourced from gifts and donations—are managed. The provision allowing the department to accept and spend funds without direct appropriations or oversight could lead to discussions surrounding governance and the potential for misuse of funds. Such concerns are critical in legislative discussions as stakeholders consider the balance between regulatory efficiency and financial accountability.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB147

Relating to the establishment of an agriculture disaster relief grant program; making an appropriation.

TX HB17

Relating to the establishment of an agriculture disaster relief grant program; making an appropriation.

TX HB3589

Relating to the transfer of the administration of school nutrition programs from the Texas Department of Agriculture to the Texas Education Agency.

TX HB4177

Relating to the acquisition of park land by the Texas parks and wildlife department: making an appropriation

TX SB30

Relating to supplemental appropriations and reductions in appropriations and giving direction and adjustment authority regarding appropriations.

TX HB500

Relating to supplemental appropriations and reductions in appropriations and giving direction and adjustment authority regarding appropriations.

TX HB3050

Relating to the creation of the Texas state buildings preservation endowment fund, including the transfer to the fund of the unencumbered balances of certain other funds.

TX SB1333

Relating to the creation of the Texas state buildings preservation endowment fund, including the transfer to the fund of the unencumbered balances of certain other funds.

TX HB4746

Relating to the eligibility of a school district or open-enrollment charter school to receive a grant from the Department of Agriculture to provide surplus agricultural products to certain students.

TX HB3798

Relating to making certain voluntary contributions when applying for a driver's license, commercial driver's license, or personal identification certificate.

Similar Bills

CA SB453

California State University Agricultural Research Institute grant program: Agricultural Biosecurity Fund.

HI SB2790

Related To Agriculture.

HI SB2422

Relating To Agriculture.

HI SB2932

Relating To Agriculture.

HI HB1584

Relating To Agriculture.

HI SB2363

Relating To Agriculture.

HI SB2992

Relating To Agriculture.

HI HB2138

Relating To Agricultural Education.