BILL ANALYSIS C.S.H.B. 2600 By: Farrar Agriculture & Livestock Committee Report (Substituted) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Interested parties suggest that the Texas bee population should be protected from decline. C.S.H.B. 2600 seeks to protect the Texas bee population by establishing the Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force to develop and report on statewide pollinator goals. CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS C.S.H.B. 2600 amends the Agriculture Code to establish the bee pollinator goals task force to develop statewide bee pollinator goals and metrics and report on the state's progress toward those goals and metrics on a biennial basis. The bill provides for the composition of the task force whose members are appointed by the governor, are from specified state agencies, and have relevant experience in agriculture, conservation, education, or local government. The bill requires the governor to designate a member who represents the Department of Agriculture to be the chair of the task force and establishes that members serve at the pleasure of the governor. The bill requires state agencies with members on the task force to provide administrative support for the task force. The bill requires the task force, not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, to submit a report to the members of the legislature on the factors contributing to the decline of the bee population in Texas and to recommend feasible initiatives that when implemented will stop the spread of bee-related diseases, sustain Texas' bee population, and contribute toward reaching the goals and metrics developed by the task force. The bill requires the report to include certain recommendations and information. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2017. COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE While C.S.H.B. 2600 may differ from the original in minor or nonsubstantive ways, the following comparison is organized and formatted in a manner that indicates the substantial differences between the introduced and committee substitute versions of the bill. INTRODUCED HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 131, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding Section 131.011 to read as follows: Sec. 131.011. BEE POLLINATOR GOALS TASK FORCE. (a) The Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force is established to develop statewide bee pollinator goals and metrics and report on the state's progress toward those goals and metrics on a biennial basis. (b) The task force consists of members appointed by the governor who have relevant experience in agriculture, conservation, education, or local government from the following state agencies: (1) the department; (2) the Texas Animal Health Commission; (3) the Texas Education Agency; (4) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; (5) the Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control Service; (6) the Office of the Texas State Chemist; (7) the Department of State Health Services; (8) the General Land Office; (9) the Parks and Wildlife Department; and (10) the Railroad Commission of Texas. (c) The governor shall designate a member who represents the department to be the chair of the task force. Members serve at the pleasure of the governor. (d) State agencies with members on the task force shall provide administrative support for the task force. (e) Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the task force shall submit a report to the members of the legislature on the factors contributing to the decline of the bee population in this state, including habitat loss, pesticides, diseases, and parasites, and recommend feasible initiatives that, when implemented, will stop the spread of bee-related diseases, sustain this state's bee population, and contribute toward reaching the goals and metrics developed by the task force. (f) The report under Subsection (e) must include: (1) recommendations for: (A) the research needs of this state in the field of bee pollination; (B) the establishment of statewide pollination policies; and (C) state funding to reduce the significant loss of bee pollinators in this state to help achieve statewide pollinator goals; and (2) information on: (A) interagency collaboration on pollinator protection efforts and methods to improve coordination of the policies and programs of member state agencies to maximize the benefits from those efforts; (B) ways to raise public awareness of pollinator issues; and (C) the effectiveness of state agency pollinator programs, reports, and recommendations. SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 131, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding Section 131.011 to read as follows: Sec. 131.011. BEE POLLINATOR GOALS TASK FORCE. (a) The Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force is established to develop statewide bee pollinator goals and metrics and report on the state's progress toward those goals and metrics on a biennial basis. (b) The task force consists of members appointed by the governor who have relevant experience in agriculture, conservation, education, or local government from the following state agencies: (1) the department; (2) the Texas Animal Health Commission; (3) the Texas Education Agency; (4) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; (5) the Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control Service; (6) the Office of the Texas State Chemist; (7) the Department of State Health Services; (8) the General Land Office; (9) the Parks and Wildlife Department; (10) the Railroad Commission of Texas; (11) Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and (12) the Texas Apiary Inspection Service. (c) The governor shall designate a member who represents the department to be the chair of the task force. Members serve at the pleasure of the governor. (d) State agencies with members on the task force shall provide administrative support for the task force. (e) Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the task force shall submit a report to the members of the legislature on the factors contributing to the decline of the bee population in this state, including habitat loss, pesticides, diseases, and parasites, and recommend feasible initiatives that, when implemented, will stop the spread of bee-related diseases, sustain this state's bee population, and contribute toward reaching the goals and metrics developed by the task force. (f) The report under Subsection (e) must include: (1) recommendations for: (A) the research needs of this state in the field of bee pollination; (B) the establishment of statewide pollination policies; and (C) state funding to reduce the significant loss of bee pollinators in this state to help achieve statewide pollinator goals; and (2) information on: (A) interagency collaboration on pollinator protection efforts and methods to improve coordination of the policies and programs of member state agencies to maximize the benefits from those efforts; (B) ways to raise public awareness of pollinator issues; and (C) the effectiveness of state agency pollinator programs, reports, and recommendations. SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the governor shall make the appointments to the Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force as described by Section 131.011, Agriculture Code, as added by this Act. SECTION 2. Same as introduced version. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017. SECTION 3. Same as introduced version.
BILL ANALYSIS
# BILL ANALYSIS
C.S.H.B. 2600
By: Farrar
Agriculture & Livestock
Committee Report (Substituted)
C.S.H.B. 2600
By: Farrar
Agriculture & Livestock
Committee Report (Substituted)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Interested parties suggest that the Texas bee population should be protected from decline. C.S.H.B. 2600 seeks to protect the Texas bee population by establishing the Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force to develop and report on statewide pollinator goals.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS C.S.H.B. 2600 amends the Agriculture Code to establish the bee pollinator goals task force to develop statewide bee pollinator goals and metrics and report on the state's progress toward those goals and metrics on a biennial basis. The bill provides for the composition of the task force whose members are appointed by the governor, are from specified state agencies, and have relevant experience in agriculture, conservation, education, or local government. The bill requires the governor to designate a member who represents the Department of Agriculture to be the chair of the task force and establishes that members serve at the pleasure of the governor. The bill requires state agencies with members on the task force to provide administrative support for the task force. The bill requires the task force, not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, to submit a report to the members of the legislature on the factors contributing to the decline of the bee population in Texas and to recommend feasible initiatives that when implemented will stop the spread of bee-related diseases, sustain Texas' bee population, and contribute toward reaching the goals and metrics developed by the task force. The bill requires the report to include certain recommendations and information.
EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2017.
COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE While C.S.H.B. 2600 may differ from the original in minor or nonsubstantive ways, the following comparison is organized and formatted in a manner that indicates the substantial differences between the introduced and committee substitute versions of the bill.
INTRODUCED HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 131, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding Section 131.011 to read as follows: Sec. 131.011. BEE POLLINATOR GOALS TASK FORCE. (a) The Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force is established to develop statewide bee pollinator goals and metrics and report on the state's progress toward those goals and metrics on a biennial basis. (b) The task force consists of members appointed by the governor who have relevant experience in agriculture, conservation, education, or local government from the following state agencies: (1) the department; (2) the Texas Animal Health Commission; (3) the Texas Education Agency; (4) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; (5) the Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control Service; (6) the Office of the Texas State Chemist; (7) the Department of State Health Services; (8) the General Land Office; (9) the Parks and Wildlife Department; and (10) the Railroad Commission of Texas. (c) The governor shall designate a member who represents the department to be the chair of the task force. Members serve at the pleasure of the governor. (d) State agencies with members on the task force shall provide administrative support for the task force. (e) Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the task force shall submit a report to the members of the legislature on the factors contributing to the decline of the bee population in this state, including habitat loss, pesticides, diseases, and parasites, and recommend feasible initiatives that, when implemented, will stop the spread of bee-related diseases, sustain this state's bee population, and contribute toward reaching the goals and metrics developed by the task force. (f) The report under Subsection (e) must include: (1) recommendations for: (A) the research needs of this state in the field of bee pollination; (B) the establishment of statewide pollination policies; and (C) state funding to reduce the significant loss of bee pollinators in this state to help achieve statewide pollinator goals; and (2) information on: (A) interagency collaboration on pollinator protection efforts and methods to improve coordination of the policies and programs of member state agencies to maximize the benefits from those efforts; (B) ways to raise public awareness of pollinator issues; and (C) the effectiveness of state agency pollinator programs, reports, and recommendations. SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 131, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding Section 131.011 to read as follows: Sec. 131.011. BEE POLLINATOR GOALS TASK FORCE. (a) The Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force is established to develop statewide bee pollinator goals and metrics and report on the state's progress toward those goals and metrics on a biennial basis. (b) The task force consists of members appointed by the governor who have relevant experience in agriculture, conservation, education, or local government from the following state agencies: (1) the department; (2) the Texas Animal Health Commission; (3) the Texas Education Agency; (4) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; (5) the Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control Service; (6) the Office of the Texas State Chemist; (7) the Department of State Health Services; (8) the General Land Office; (9) the Parks and Wildlife Department; (10) the Railroad Commission of Texas; (11) Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and (12) the Texas Apiary Inspection Service. (c) The governor shall designate a member who represents the department to be the chair of the task force. Members serve at the pleasure of the governor. (d) State agencies with members on the task force shall provide administrative support for the task force. (e) Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the task force shall submit a report to the members of the legislature on the factors contributing to the decline of the bee population in this state, including habitat loss, pesticides, diseases, and parasites, and recommend feasible initiatives that, when implemented, will stop the spread of bee-related diseases, sustain this state's bee population, and contribute toward reaching the goals and metrics developed by the task force. (f) The report under Subsection (e) must include: (1) recommendations for: (A) the research needs of this state in the field of bee pollination; (B) the establishment of statewide pollination policies; and (C) state funding to reduce the significant loss of bee pollinators in this state to help achieve statewide pollinator goals; and (2) information on: (A) interagency collaboration on pollinator protection efforts and methods to improve coordination of the policies and programs of member state agencies to maximize the benefits from those efforts; (B) ways to raise public awareness of pollinator issues; and (C) the effectiveness of state agency pollinator programs, reports, and recommendations. SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the governor shall make the appointments to the Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force as described by Section 131.011, Agriculture Code, as added by this Act. SECTION 2. Same as introduced version. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017. SECTION 3. Same as introduced version. INTRODUCED HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 131, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding Section 131.011 to read as follows: Sec. 131.011. BEE POLLINATOR GOALS TASK FORCE. (a) The Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force is established to develop statewide bee pollinator goals and metrics and report on the state's progress toward those goals and metrics on a biennial basis. (b) The task force consists of members appointed by the governor who have relevant experience in agriculture, conservation, education, or local government from the following state agencies: (1) the department; (2) the Texas Animal Health Commission; (3) the Texas Education Agency; (4) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; (5) the Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control Service; (6) the Office of the Texas State Chemist; (7) the Department of State Health Services; (8) the General Land Office; (9) the Parks and Wildlife Department; and (10) the Railroad Commission of Texas. (c) The governor shall designate a member who represents the department to be the chair of the task force. Members serve at the pleasure of the governor. (d) State agencies with members on the task force shall provide administrative support for the task force. (e) Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the task force shall submit a report to the members of the legislature on the factors contributing to the decline of the bee population in this state, including habitat loss, pesticides, diseases, and parasites, and recommend feasible initiatives that, when implemented, will stop the spread of bee-related diseases, sustain this state's bee population, and contribute toward reaching the goals and metrics developed by the task force. (f) The report under Subsection (e) must include: (1) recommendations for: (A) the research needs of this state in the field of bee pollination; (B) the establishment of statewide pollination policies; and (C) state funding to reduce the significant loss of bee pollinators in this state to help achieve statewide pollinator goals; and (2) information on: (A) interagency collaboration on pollinator protection efforts and methods to improve coordination of the policies and programs of member state agencies to maximize the benefits from those efforts; (B) ways to raise public awareness of pollinator issues; and (C) the effectiveness of state agency pollinator programs, reports, and recommendations. SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 131, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding Section 131.011 to read as follows: Sec. 131.011. BEE POLLINATOR GOALS TASK FORCE. (a) The Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force is established to develop statewide bee pollinator goals and metrics and report on the state's progress toward those goals and metrics on a biennial basis. (b) The task force consists of members appointed by the governor who have relevant experience in agriculture, conservation, education, or local government from the following state agencies: (1) the department; (2) the Texas Animal Health Commission; (3) the Texas Education Agency; (4) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; (5) the Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control Service; (6) the Office of the Texas State Chemist; (7) the Department of State Health Services; (8) the General Land Office; (9) the Parks and Wildlife Department; (10) the Railroad Commission of Texas; (11) Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and (12) the Texas Apiary Inspection Service. (c) The governor shall designate a member who represents the department to be the chair of the task force. Members serve at the pleasure of the governor. (d) State agencies with members on the task force shall provide administrative support for the task force. (e) Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the task force shall submit a report to the members of the legislature on the factors contributing to the decline of the bee population in this state, including habitat loss, pesticides, diseases, and parasites, and recommend feasible initiatives that, when implemented, will stop the spread of bee-related diseases, sustain this state's bee population, and contribute toward reaching the goals and metrics developed by the task force. (f) The report under Subsection (e) must include: (1) recommendations for: (A) the research needs of this state in the field of bee pollination; (B) the establishment of statewide pollination policies; and (C) state funding to reduce the significant loss of bee pollinators in this state to help achieve statewide pollinator goals; and (2) information on: (A) interagency collaboration on pollinator protection efforts and methods to improve coordination of the policies and programs of member state agencies to maximize the benefits from those efforts; (B) ways to raise public awareness of pollinator issues; and (C) the effectiveness of state agency pollinator programs, reports, and recommendations. SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the governor shall make the appointments to the Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force as described by Section 131.011, Agriculture Code, as added by this Act. SECTION 2. Same as introduced version. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017. SECTION 3. Same as introduced version.
INTRODUCED HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 131, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding Section 131.011 to read as follows: Sec. 131.011. BEE POLLINATOR GOALS TASK FORCE. (a) The Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force is established to develop statewide bee pollinator goals and metrics and report on the state's progress toward those goals and metrics on a biennial basis. (b) The task force consists of members appointed by the governor who have relevant experience in agriculture, conservation, education, or local government from the following state agencies: (1) the department; (2) the Texas Animal Health Commission; (3) the Texas Education Agency; (4) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; (5) the Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control Service; (6) the Office of the Texas State Chemist; (7) the Department of State Health Services; (8) the General Land Office; (9) the Parks and Wildlife Department; and (10) the Railroad Commission of Texas. (c) The governor shall designate a member who represents the department to be the chair of the task force. Members serve at the pleasure of the governor. (d) State agencies with members on the task force shall provide administrative support for the task force. (e) Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the task force shall submit a report to the members of the legislature on the factors contributing to the decline of the bee population in this state, including habitat loss, pesticides, diseases, and parasites, and recommend feasible initiatives that, when implemented, will stop the spread of bee-related diseases, sustain this state's bee population, and contribute toward reaching the goals and metrics developed by the task force. (f) The report under Subsection (e) must include: (1) recommendations for: (A) the research needs of this state in the field of bee pollination; (B) the establishment of statewide pollination policies; and (C) state funding to reduce the significant loss of bee pollinators in this state to help achieve statewide pollinator goals; and (2) information on: (A) interagency collaboration on pollinator protection efforts and methods to improve coordination of the policies and programs of member state agencies to maximize the benefits from those efforts; (B) ways to raise public awareness of pollinator issues; and (C) the effectiveness of state agency pollinator programs, reports, and recommendations. SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 131, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding Section 131.011 to read as follows: Sec. 131.011. BEE POLLINATOR GOALS TASK FORCE. (a) The Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force is established to develop statewide bee pollinator goals and metrics and report on the state's progress toward those goals and metrics on a biennial basis. (b) The task force consists of members appointed by the governor who have relevant experience in agriculture, conservation, education, or local government from the following state agencies: (1) the department; (2) the Texas Animal Health Commission; (3) the Texas Education Agency; (4) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; (5) the Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control Service; (6) the Office of the Texas State Chemist; (7) the Department of State Health Services; (8) the General Land Office; (9) the Parks and Wildlife Department; (10) the Railroad Commission of Texas; (11) Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and (12) the Texas Apiary Inspection Service. (c) The governor shall designate a member who represents the department to be the chair of the task force. Members serve at the pleasure of the governor. (d) State agencies with members on the task force shall provide administrative support for the task force. (e) Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the task force shall submit a report to the members of the legislature on the factors contributing to the decline of the bee population in this state, including habitat loss, pesticides, diseases, and parasites, and recommend feasible initiatives that, when implemented, will stop the spread of bee-related diseases, sustain this state's bee population, and contribute toward reaching the goals and metrics developed by the task force. (f) The report under Subsection (e) must include: (1) recommendations for: (A) the research needs of this state in the field of bee pollination; (B) the establishment of statewide pollination policies; and (C) state funding to reduce the significant loss of bee pollinators in this state to help achieve statewide pollinator goals; and (2) information on: (A) interagency collaboration on pollinator protection efforts and methods to improve coordination of the policies and programs of member state agencies to maximize the benefits from those efforts; (B) ways to raise public awareness of pollinator issues; and (C) the effectiveness of state agency pollinator programs, reports, and recommendations.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the governor shall make the appointments to the Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force as described by Section 131.011, Agriculture Code, as added by this Act. SECTION 2. Same as introduced version.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017. SECTION 3. Same as introduced version.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Interested parties suggest that the Texas bee population should be protected from decline. C.S.H.B. 2600 seeks to protect the Texas bee population by establishing the Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force to develop and report on statewide pollinator goals.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
C.S.H.B. 2600 amends the Agriculture Code to establish the bee pollinator goals task force to develop statewide bee pollinator goals and metrics and report on the state's progress toward those goals and metrics on a biennial basis. The bill provides for the composition of the task force whose members are appointed by the governor, are from specified state agencies, and have relevant experience in agriculture, conservation, education, or local government. The bill requires the governor to designate a member who represents the Department of Agriculture to be the chair of the task force and establishes that members serve at the pleasure of the governor. The bill requires state agencies with members on the task force to provide administrative support for the task force. The bill requires the task force, not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, to submit a report to the members of the legislature on the factors contributing to the decline of the bee population in Texas and to recommend feasible initiatives that when implemented will stop the spread of bee-related diseases, sustain Texas' bee population, and contribute toward reaching the goals and metrics developed by the task force. The bill requires the report to include certain recommendations and information.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2017.
COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE
While C.S.H.B. 2600 may differ from the original in minor or nonsubstantive ways, the following comparison is organized and formatted in a manner that indicates the substantial differences between the introduced and committee substitute versions of the bill.
INTRODUCED HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 131, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding Section 131.011 to read as follows: Sec. 131.011. BEE POLLINATOR GOALS TASK FORCE. (a) The Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force is established to develop statewide bee pollinator goals and metrics and report on the state's progress toward those goals and metrics on a biennial basis. (b) The task force consists of members appointed by the governor who have relevant experience in agriculture, conservation, education, or local government from the following state agencies: (1) the department; (2) the Texas Animal Health Commission; (3) the Texas Education Agency; (4) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; (5) the Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control Service; (6) the Office of the Texas State Chemist; (7) the Department of State Health Services; (8) the General Land Office; (9) the Parks and Wildlife Department; and (10) the Railroad Commission of Texas. (c) The governor shall designate a member who represents the department to be the chair of the task force. Members serve at the pleasure of the governor. (d) State agencies with members on the task force shall provide administrative support for the task force. (e) Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the task force shall submit a report to the members of the legislature on the factors contributing to the decline of the bee population in this state, including habitat loss, pesticides, diseases, and parasites, and recommend feasible initiatives that, when implemented, will stop the spread of bee-related diseases, sustain this state's bee population, and contribute toward reaching the goals and metrics developed by the task force. (f) The report under Subsection (e) must include: (1) recommendations for: (A) the research needs of this state in the field of bee pollination; (B) the establishment of statewide pollination policies; and (C) state funding to reduce the significant loss of bee pollinators in this state to help achieve statewide pollinator goals; and (2) information on: (A) interagency collaboration on pollinator protection efforts and methods to improve coordination of the policies and programs of member state agencies to maximize the benefits from those efforts; (B) ways to raise public awareness of pollinator issues; and (C) the effectiveness of state agency pollinator programs, reports, and recommendations. SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 131, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding Section 131.011 to read as follows: Sec. 131.011. BEE POLLINATOR GOALS TASK FORCE. (a) The Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force is established to develop statewide bee pollinator goals and metrics and report on the state's progress toward those goals and metrics on a biennial basis. (b) The task force consists of members appointed by the governor who have relevant experience in agriculture, conservation, education, or local government from the following state agencies: (1) the department; (2) the Texas Animal Health Commission; (3) the Texas Education Agency; (4) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; (5) the Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control Service; (6) the Office of the Texas State Chemist; (7) the Department of State Health Services; (8) the General Land Office; (9) the Parks and Wildlife Department; (10) the Railroad Commission of Texas; (11) Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and (12) the Texas Apiary Inspection Service. (c) The governor shall designate a member who represents the department to be the chair of the task force. Members serve at the pleasure of the governor. (d) State agencies with members on the task force shall provide administrative support for the task force. (e) Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the task force shall submit a report to the members of the legislature on the factors contributing to the decline of the bee population in this state, including habitat loss, pesticides, diseases, and parasites, and recommend feasible initiatives that, when implemented, will stop the spread of bee-related diseases, sustain this state's bee population, and contribute toward reaching the goals and metrics developed by the task force. (f) The report under Subsection (e) must include: (1) recommendations for: (A) the research needs of this state in the field of bee pollination; (B) the establishment of statewide pollination policies; and (C) state funding to reduce the significant loss of bee pollinators in this state to help achieve statewide pollinator goals; and (2) information on: (A) interagency collaboration on pollinator protection efforts and methods to improve coordination of the policies and programs of member state agencies to maximize the benefits from those efforts; (B) ways to raise public awareness of pollinator issues; and (C) the effectiveness of state agency pollinator programs, reports, and recommendations.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the governor shall make the appointments to the Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force as described by Section 131.011, Agriculture Code, as added by this Act. SECTION 2. Same as introduced version.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017. SECTION 3. Same as introduced version.
INTRODUCED
HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 131, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding Section 131.011 to read as follows:
Sec. 131.011. BEE POLLINATOR GOALS TASK FORCE. (a) The Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force is established to develop statewide bee pollinator goals and metrics and report on the state's progress toward those goals and metrics on a biennial basis.
(b) The task force consists of members appointed by the governor who have relevant experience in agriculture, conservation, education, or local government from the following state agencies:
(1) the department;
(2) the Texas Animal Health Commission;
(3) the Texas Education Agency;
(4) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality;
(5) the Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control Service;
(6) the Office of the Texas State Chemist;
(7) the Department of State Health Services;
(8) the General Land Office;
(9) the Parks and Wildlife Department; and
(10) the Railroad Commission of Texas.
(c) The governor shall designate a member who represents the department to be the chair of the task force. Members serve at the pleasure of the governor.
(d) State agencies with members on the task force shall provide administrative support for the task force.
(e) Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the task force shall submit a report to the members of the legislature on the factors contributing to the decline of the bee population in this state, including habitat loss, pesticides, diseases, and parasites, and recommend feasible initiatives that, when implemented, will stop the spread of bee-related diseases, sustain this state's bee population, and contribute toward reaching the goals and metrics developed by the task force.
(f) The report under Subsection (e) must include:
(1) recommendations for:
(A) the research needs of this state in the field of bee pollination;
(B) the establishment of statewide pollination policies; and
(C) state funding to reduce the significant loss of bee pollinators in this state to help achieve statewide pollinator goals; and
(2) information on:
(A) interagency collaboration on pollinator protection efforts and methods to improve coordination of the policies and programs of member state agencies to maximize the benefits from those efforts;
(B) ways to raise public awareness of pollinator issues; and
(C) the effectiveness of state agency pollinator programs, reports, and recommendations.
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 131, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding Section 131.011 to read as follows:
Sec. 131.011. BEE POLLINATOR GOALS TASK FORCE. (a) The Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force is established to develop statewide bee pollinator goals and metrics and report on the state's progress toward those goals and metrics on a biennial basis.
(b) The task force consists of members appointed by the governor who have relevant experience in agriculture, conservation, education, or local government from the following state agencies:
(1) the department;
(2) the Texas Animal Health Commission;
(3) the Texas Education Agency;
(4) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality;
(5) the Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control Service;
(6) the Office of the Texas State Chemist;
(7) the Department of State Health Services;
(8) the General Land Office;
(9) the Parks and Wildlife Department;
(10) the Railroad Commission of Texas;
(11) Texas A&M AgriLife Research; and
(12) the Texas Apiary Inspection Service.
(c) The governor shall designate a member who represents the department to be the chair of the task force. Members serve at the pleasure of the governor.
(d) State agencies with members on the task force shall provide administrative support for the task force.
(e) Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the task force shall submit a report to the members of the legislature on the factors contributing to the decline of the bee population in this state, including habitat loss, pesticides, diseases, and parasites, and recommend feasible initiatives that, when implemented, will stop the spread of bee-related diseases, sustain this state's bee population, and contribute toward reaching the goals and metrics developed by the task force.
(f) The report under Subsection (e) must include:
(1) recommendations for:
(A) the research needs of this state in the field of bee pollination;
(B) the establishment of statewide pollination policies; and
(C) state funding to reduce the significant loss of bee pollinators in this state to help achieve statewide pollinator goals; and
(2) information on:
(A) interagency collaboration on pollinator protection efforts and methods to improve coordination of the policies and programs of member state agencies to maximize the benefits from those efforts;
(B) ways to raise public awareness of pollinator issues; and
(C) the effectiveness of state agency pollinator programs, reports, and recommendations.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the governor shall make the appointments to the Bee Pollinator Goals Task Force as described by Section 131.011, Agriculture Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 2. Same as introduced version.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.
SECTION 3. Same as introduced version.