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4 Document(s) [ Subject: Invasive%20species ]

Committee: House Agriculture and Livestock
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Agricultural Finance Authority, Texas | Agricultural loans | Agriculture | Agriculture, Texas Department of | Food supplies | Invasive species | Nuisance abatement | Retail industry | Swine | Zoning |
Library Call Number: L1836.87 Ag86
Session: 87th R.S. (2021)
Online version: View report [34 pages  File size: 3,858 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:
  • HB 2089, 87th R.S., relating to the detection and mitigation of plant pests and diseases;
  • SB 1, 87th R.S., Rider 27 (Department of Agriculture), which relates to determining methods to increase the number of grocery stores in food deserts; and
  • SB 1, 87th R.S. Rider 28 (Department of Agriculture), which relates to the Experimental Use Program for feral hog abatement.
2. Study the access of the state’s agricultural industry to available capital through loans, grants, or other sources. Make recommendations to ensure the agricultural industry has sufficient access to available capital, as well as how the Texas Department of Agriculture can educate farmers, agricultural producers, and others about available sources of capital.
3. Study the impact on agricultural operations, including the operations of dairy facilities, of governmental and regulatory requirements and practices including those that prevent or prohibit an activity that is a normally accepted agricultural practice, and make recommendations to facilitate and encourage agricultural and dairy production in the state.
Committee: House Agriculture and Livestock
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Agriculture | Agriculture, Texas Department of | Animal Health Commission, Texas | Bees | Disaster relief | Economic impact | Exotic species | Hemp | Hurricane Harvey | Invasive species | Liens | Monarch butterflies | Natural disasters | Rural economic development | Tropical storms |
Library Call Number: L1836.85 Ag86
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View report [49 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review the Texas Department of Agriculture's and the Texas Animal Health Commission's role in the response to Hurricane Harvey. Examine the short-term and long-term economic and agricultural impacts to producers in the agriculture and livestock industries in Texas as a result of Harvey. Identify ways to mitigate the impact and prevent substantial losses from Harvey and future natural disasters.
2. Study the Texas olive and olive oil industry. Provide suggestions to improve, promote, and standardize the industry. Examine current policy related to the industry and examine factors such as research, marketing, labeling, standards, data collection, and the necessity of creating a commodity board or similar type of organization.
3. Review the Texas Department of Agriculture's Seed Certification Program and related areas. Consider any benefits or drawbacks to privatizing the program through a nonprofit crop improvement association.
4. Study the effects of declining migratory species, such as the monarch butterfly, as well as native and domesticated bee populations on agricultural production and its economic impact on the state. Identify possible causes of the population changes and monitor national trends. Make recommendations on how to improve and promote monarch butterfly and bee populations and habitats in the state. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism)
5. Identify methods for the early detection of exotic invasive organisms that could threaten the production of agricultural crops, such as cotton, in Texas.
6. Consider the feasibility of developing and implementing a central filing system to be used for the filing of all financing statements that cover farm products being sold and purchased in this state that are subject to an agricultural lien.
7. Evaluate the uses of industrial hemp and the economic feasibility of developing an industrial hemp market under existing or future state and federal regulations. Examine the processing and manufacturing process requirements of multiple bi-products, including feed, food, fiber, cosmetics, supplements, and building materials.
8. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature.
Committee: Senate Veteran Affairs and Border Security
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Aerospace industry | Border issues | Border Patrol, U.S. | Border security | Human trafficking | Invasive species | Military bases | Military personnel | Peace officers | Physical fitness | Veterans | Veterans Commission, Texas | Veterans health care |
Library Call Number: L1836.85 V641
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View report [41 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Border Security - Law Enforcement: Study and make recommendations on opportunities to create public safety partnerships. Consider the federal 287(g) program and any needs of a state or local jurisdiction when entering in a Memorandum of Agreement for receiving delegated federal authority. Review cross training programs offered in other states that allow U.S. Border Patrol agents to be certified as state peace officers, and determine if Texas could create such a program.
2. Border - Invasive Species: Study and make recommendations on the impact to border security caused by invasive plant species, such as carrizo cane and salt cedar. Review proposals for eradication of invasive plant species that provide a natural shelter for human trafficking and/or smuggling arms and illicit substances.
3. Veterans Health: Study the effectiveness of veterans' health and mental health initiatives in Texas and recommend ways to improve access and delivery. Explore the state of the federal VA Choice Program, including potential expiration, continuation, or expansion of the program. Consider the impact of the VA Choice Program on improving the delivery of health care, and determine ways to raise awareness and increase participation among Texas veterans. Consider the potential connection between chronic pain and mental health and identify strategies to improve the prevention of veteran suicide.
4. State-Delivered Federal Services: Review the veteran services offered by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs and Veteran Benefits Administration. Study those services which are being delivered by the Texas Veterans Commission, including but not limited to the state strike force teams and health care advocacy program. Consider ways to increase utilization of automated services, such as the Texas Veterans App, to reduce the need for additional staff time and to create a resource for veterans to access services at all times of the day.
5. Military Installation: Identify opportunities to promote the strategic importance of military installations in Texas. Study the impact of the Aviation, Aerospace & Defense manufacturing industry on the economic vitality of military installations and communities. Identify potential strategic partnerships between this industry and military communities which would enhance key strategic assets.
6. Military Youth Readiness: Evaluate the current readiness and fitness of Texas youth for entering military service over the next 5-10 years. Identify any additional economic impact to the state should youth not meet physical requirements or required academic performance.
7. Monitoring: Monitor the implementation and impact of legislation passed by the Texas Legislature. Make recommendations for any needed improvements or steps to ensure completion. • SB 27 by Campbell 85(R), relating to the mental health progra m for veterans; • SB 277 by Campbell 85(R), relating to ad valorem tax incentives for wind-powered energy devices near military aviation facilities; and • SB 389 by Rodriguez 84(R, relating to the addition of military occupational specialty codes on state agency employment listings.
Committee: House Culture, Recreation, and Tourism
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Alamo | Aquatic vegetation | Battleship Texas | Chronic Wasting disease | Commission on the Arts, Texas | Daughters of the Republic of Texas | Deer | Droughts | Endangered species | Film Commission, Texas | Fisheries | General Land Office, Texas | Historical Commission, Texas | Invasive species | Library & Archives Commission, Texas State | License plates | Office of Economic Development and Tourism | Parks and Wildlife, Texas Department of | Sporting goods sales taxes | State parks | State Preservation Board | Texas State Cemetery | Tourism | Wildfires | Wildlife |
Library Call Number: L1836.82 R245
Session: 82nd R.S. (2011)
Online version: View report [103 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Evaluate strategies to control known existing invasive aquatic species, including species commonly referred to as giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta), water hyacinths (family Pontederiaceae), and zebra mussels (family Dreissenidae).
2. Study and make recommendations for improving deer breeder compliance with existing laws and regulations.
3. Recommend approaches to improve long-term funding for state park acquisition, development, and maintenance.
4. Study the effects the drought and wildfires have had on tourism and recreation in Texas. Make recommendations for ways to prevent future losses.
5. Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 82nd Legislature, including the General Land Office's implementation of HB 3726, 82nd R.S., regarding the administration of the Alamo.

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