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Relating to the detection and mitigation of plant pests and diseases.
The amount of funding and the number of institutions of higher education that would apply and qualify to participate in a cooperative agreement associated with implementing the provisions of the bill is unknown. Therefore, the fiscal implications cannot be determined.
HB 2089 would require the Department of Agriculture to enter into a cooperative agreement with an institution of higher education that agrees to conduct plant pest and disease detection and surveillance. An institution of higher education may apply to enter into a cooperative agreement by submitting an application to the department. HB 2089 specifies the department is not allowed to consider non-state costs when deciding to accept an applicant.
Texas Action opposes HB 2089 which would grow government in an area that is better left to private industry. The purpose of conducting plant and pest detection and surveillance is to benefit the agriculture industry. Interested parties associated with the Texas agriculture industry should fund research relevant to this issue.
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