HBA-BSM H.B. 453 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 453 By: Swinford Agriculture & Livestock 2/14/2001 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Legislation enacted by the 76th Legislature required the legislature to conduct a comprehensive study of the condition of agriculture in Texas, including programs supporting agriculture and the role of the state in preserving the agriculture industry. House Bill 453 establishes the Agriculture Policy Board as a legislative agency to provide advice on agricultural issues, and perform an ongoing examination of the state's agricultural policy. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking authority is expressly delegated to the Agriculture Policy Board in SECTION 1 (Section 2.004, Agriculture Code) of this bill. ANALYSIS House Bill 453 amends the Agriculture Code to create the Agriculture Policy Board (board) which is required, through research and analysis, to advocate and recommend strategies for agriculture that enhance agriculture production, income, and employment; benefit consumers; and promote efficient use of natural resources. The bill provides for the composition, appointment, administration, and operation of the board. The board is required to continue the development of agriculture policy guidelines, and: _review all legislation that will impact agriculture in this state for compliance with the guidelines; _review all agriculture budget issues for compliance with the guidelines, and establish priorities for agriculture-related research and agency budgets related to agriculture; _review all current statutes that affect agriculture in this state for compliance with the guidelines; and _review all agency rulemaking authority for compliance with the guidelines. The bill requires the board to adopt rules necessary for the proceedings of the board. The board is authorized to create a 15-member ad hoc advisory committee to assist the board in carrying out the official duties of the board. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.