Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Affairs
NOTE: This is archived committee information from the 81st Legislative Session.
Committee Information
CHAIR
Craig Estes
VICE-CHAIR
Carlos Uresti
MEMBERS
Glenn Hegar
Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
Mike Jackson
CLERK:
Ren Nance
TEL:
(512) 463-0340
LOCATION:
Sam Houston Building, 455
Video/Audio — Archives
81st Session Interim
81st Regular Session
- May 22, 2009 — Audio only
- May 18, 2009
- May 15, 2009 — Audio only.
- May 11, 2009
- May 4, 2009
- April 28, 2009 — Audio only.
- April 20, 2009
- April 15, 2009 — Audio only.
- April 6, 2009
- March 31, 2009 — Audio only.
- March 30, 2009
- March 23, 2009
- March 16, 2009
- March 9, 2009
Interim Charges
- Study and make recommendations on new and innovative ways to increase investment, employment and production in Texas agriculture.
- Study current federal, state and local safeguards to protect our food supply. Identify gaps that may exist in Texas statute, agency roles, and authority for ensuring a safe food supply for Texas, including imported fruits and vegetables. Examine the impact of revised federal regulations on the State, and the potential impact of pending federal legislation. Examine the existing capabilities of the public health system on the border to accomplish public health surveillance of food.
- Study impact of windblown herbicides on grape growing and other agricultural production. Make recommendations for improving the safety and quality of Texas agricultural products.
- Study and make recommendations on the impact of feral hogs and other predators that hamper development of Texas agriculture.
- Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Affairs, 81st Legislature, Regular Session, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, consider the following.
- Monitor the establishment of the Texas Bioenergy Policy Council and the Texas Bioenergy Research Committee.
- Monitor the Texas Department of Agriculture's efforts to reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids in foods provided by Texas schools.