Texas House Bill HB1696

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the preference given by state and local governmental entities to agricultural products produced or grown in this state.

Impact

The implications of HB1696 extend to various levels of government purchasing practices. By reinforcing state and local preferences, the bill encourages the growth of the local agricultural economy and aims to ensure that state funds benefit Texas farmers. School districts, in particular, will be influenced as they navigate procurement processes amidst the new preferences, potentially leading to increased contract opportunities for local agricultural producers.

Summary

House Bill 1696 aims to enhance the preference given by state and local government entities to agricultural products that are produced or grown in Texas. The bill mandates that school districts, when purchasing agricultural products, must prefer Texas products if the cost and quality are comparable. In cases where Texas products are more expensive, they can still be preferred as long as they do not exceed 107 percent of the cost of comparable products grown outside the state. This strategy is intended to support local agriculture and promote the buying of Texas-grown products.

Contention

While the bill is poised to bolster local agriculture, it may also provoke discussions around cost implications and product availability. Critics may argue that such preferences could limit the diversity or accessibility of agricultural products available to government entities, especially if local sources cannot meet demand at competitive prices. Additionally, there may be concerns about the practicalities of implementation, ensuring that quality standards are uniformly assessed across different products.