84R32393 BPG-D
By: Faircloth H.C.R. No. 133
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Gulf Coast plays a vital role in the Texas
economy, and the oyster ranks among the most valuable resources of
the region as a popular food and as the mainstay of an important
harvesting and processing industry; and
WHEREAS, Texas coastal waters and bays face continual, often
harsh challenges, which can negatively impact the viability of the
oysters there; these challenges include natural phenomena such as
drought, storms, disease, and algae blooms, as well as man-made
destruction caused by oil spills and other incidents; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 84th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby request that the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the
house of representatives create a joint interim committee to study
oyster resource management in Texas waterways, including the
growing, transplanting, and harvesting of oysters; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That the study specifically develop
recommendations to better protect, develop, and propagate oysters
in order to support and enhance the oyster industry; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That the joint interim committee be composed of
five members of the Texas Senate, three of whom represent districts
adjacent to oyster-producing bay systems, and five members of the
Texas House of Representatives, three of whom represent districts
adjacent to oyster-producing bay systems; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the chair or co-chairs of the committee be
chosen from among the members representing districts with
significant oyster production; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the committee submit a full report, including
findings and recommendations, to the 85th Texas Legislature in
January 2017; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the committee's proceedings and operations be
governed by such general rules and policies for interim committees
as the 84th Texas Legislature may adopt.