Texas House Bill HB3142

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

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.