House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock - 83rd R.S. (2013)
Committee Members
- Tracy O. King, Chair
- Charles 'Doc' Anderson, Vice Chair
- Mary González
- Kyle Kacal
- Tim Kleinschmidt
- Drew Springer
- James White
Charges
- Evaluate actions by state agencies under the committee's jurisdiction to increase transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Consider cost-saving technologies such as the route optimization system used by the Texas Department of Agriculture to save funds in inspection activities. Identify and make recommendations to address gaps and to improve efficiency and access to user-friendly information while protecting appropriate data security.
- Study the feasibility of the creation of a border agricultural inspection training program and the authority of Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) employees to augment federal inspectors at Texas border land ports of entry. The study should include similar subject matter to HB 3761 83rd R.S.. Measure and estimate the increase in state revenue and secondary economic benefits that could be created from implementing the efficiency measures in HB 3761 83rd R.S. as a way to offset costs for additional state inspectors.
- Evaluate the Texas Right to Farm Act and determine if certain recommendations and updates to the law should be made in efforts to protect agricultural operations.
- Examine current statutes and rules to determine any necessary enhancements that can assist in the eradication of feral hogs by using practical solutions and effective eradication techniques. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism)
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Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 83rd Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should:
a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens;
b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate;
c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and
d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs.
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