Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
3 bills that modify the Agriculture Code
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.
Blog Summary
HB 2271 - Add aquaculture to the rights, privileges, and protections of other types of agriculture.
HB 2947 - Expands agricultural operation definition.
SB 811 - Modifies rules regarding reporting of wildlife disease outbreaks.
3 bills that modify the Agriculture Code
Published: 2024-04-12
HB 2271
Protection of aquaculture operations
Aquaculture means is a business of producing and selling cultured species raised in private facilities. Aquaculture is a type of agriculture and must be awarded the same rights, privileges, and protections as other types of agriculture.
HB 2947
Definition of agricultural operations
Agricultural operation now includes the commercial sale of animals, including those defined under Section 252.001. These include poultry, livestock, or other domestic and wild animals.
HB 2947
Disclosure of certain information by the Parks and Wildlife Department or the Texas Animal Health Commission
If the commission becomes aware of a wildlife disease outbreak that is reportable, they shall provide notice to each owner of an adjacent property and the Parks and Wildlife Department. This information may only be disclosed to the land owner or a person designated by the land owner in writing. They may disclose to the Texas Animal Health Commission as needed to carry out a governmental purpose.
Any information collected on privately owned land may be used for scientific investigation and research if so authorized by the landowner or their agent. If so used, they may not report or compile it in a manner that identifies the individual parcel or specific parcels of private property without the written consent of the owner or their agent. It may be disclosed to the Texas Animal Health Commission as needed to carry out a governmental purpose.
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