89R18484 SCF-D
By: Gervin-Hawkins H.B. No. 5085
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study on the impact of certain seed banks and seed
preservation on access to food and the environment.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITION. In this Act, "department" means the
Department of Agriculture.
SECTION 2. STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF SEED BANKS AND SEED
PRESERVATION. (a) The department shall conduct a study on the
impact of seed banks and seed preservation in each county:
(1) with a population of more than 2,000,000; and
(2) that has a conservation facility located in the
county.
(b) The department shall collaborate with any state agency,
political subdivision, or other organization the department
determines relevant to the study.
(c) In conducting the study, the department shall assess the
impact a seed bank or seed preservation may have on:
(1) access to food, including:
(A) the number of people a seed bank can generate
food for; and
(B) the limitations of a seed bank in generating
food or feeding people; and
(2) the environment, including:
(A) ecosystem restoration and biodiversity
recovery following a natural disaster, including a hurricane, fire,
or flood; and
(B) climate change mitigation.
SECTION 3. REPORT. Not later than December 1, 2026, the
department shall prepare and submit a report to the governor,
lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and
appropriate standing committees of the legislature on the results
of the study conducted under Section 2 of this Act and
recommendations for legislative or other action on seed banks, seed
preservation, and seed germination and propagation.
SECTION 4. EXPIRATION DATE. This Act expires January 1,
2027.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September
1, 2025.