House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock - 82nd R.S. (2011)
Committee Members
Charges
- Evaluate the role of community gardens and urban farming efforts that increase access to healthy foods and examine the possible impact that state and local policies have on the success of programs of this type. Determine the feasibility of policies to support these efforts, especially in high-population areas. (Joint with the House Committee on Urban Affairs)
- Study the wildfire response performed by the Texas Forest Service and cooperating state agencies. Examine specifically how state laws and regulations could be enhanced to improve response effectiveness across the state. Study both the available causes of wildfires and mitigation and make recommendations as needed.
- Study the adequacy of access to veterinarian care in rural areas of the state. Determine the impact that a lack of access may have on the agriculture business in Texas.
- Examine the current enforcement system for performance-enhancing drug testing show horses, performance horses, and race horses in Texas. Specifically, review currently prohibited drugs and quantities to determine if any changes should be made to existing law. Compare the state's current regulations to other systems around the country and make specific recommendations on how the state's system could be improved.
- Study the viability of cedar eradication as a means to enhance resource conservation.
- Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 82nd Legislature. Specifically, monitor the consolidation of the Texas Department of Rural Affairs into the Texas Department of Agriculture's Rural Economic Division, ensuring that rural communities are not negatively affected by the consolidation.
- Study and make recommendations for significantly improving the state's manufacturing capability.
- Find ways to increase transparency, accountability and efficiency in state government.
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