Relating to the task force on pollinator health.

89(R) HB 1437 - Engrossed version - Bill Text

89R3542 KRM-D

By: González of El Paso, et al.

H.B. No. 1437

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the task force on pollinator health.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 131, Agriculture Code, is

amended by adding Section 131.011 to read as follows:

Sec.

131.011.

TASK FORCE ON POLLINATOR HEALTH. (a)

In this

section, "task force"

means the task force on pollinator health

under this section.

The governor shall establish the task force and

the membership of the task force.

(b)

The task force consists of members appointed by the

governor, including:

(1)

one member who is a university faculty member

specializing in the science of pollinator health;

(2)

one member representing an advocacy group for

nurseries and greenhouse producers;

(3)

one member representing an advocacy group for

agriculture in this state;

(4)

one member representing an advocacy group

dedicated to the protection of pollinators and invertebrates;

(5)

one member representing an advocacy group for

pesticide applicators;

(6)

one member who is certified as a master gardener by

the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and who represents the

public;

(7)

one member who is a beekeeper and who represents

the public; and

(8)

one member who is an employee of the Parks and

Wildlife Department who specializes in melittology.

(c)

The task force shall undertake activities to examine

issues relevant to pollinator health, including:

(1)

identifying ways the state can incentivize the

development of new pollinator habitat in residential, commercial,

and public areas;

(2)

studying public education and outreach plans

regarding pollinator health that have been successful in other

states;

(3)

investigating the means used by other states to

gather data on populations of bees or other pollinating insects;

and

(4)

identifying ways to prevent loss of pollinator

habitat.

(d)

The task force may take actions necessary and proper to

carry out the work of the task force, including scheduling hearings

and taking testimony on matters related to pollinator health.

(e)

A majority of the members of the task force constitutes

a quorum for the transaction of business.

(f)

Official action by the task force requires the approval

of a majority of the members of the task force.

(g)

The task force shall elect one of its members to serve as

presiding officer.

(h)

The governor shall appoint a qualified person to fill a

vacancy on the task force.

(i)

The task force shall meet at times and places specified

by the call of the presiding officer or of a majority of the members

of the task force.

(j)

The task force may adopt bylaws necessary for the

operation of the task force.

(k)

Not later than October 1, 2026, the task force shall

submit a report, which may include recommendations for legislation,

to the standing committees of the senate and the house of

representatives with primary jurisdiction over agriculture. The

task force may provide progress reports to those committees before

October 1, 2026.

(l)

The governor may provide staff support to the task

force.

(m)

Members of the task force are not entitled to

compensation but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary travel

and other expenses incurred in the performance of their official

duties in the manner and amounts provided for in the General

Appropriations Act.

(n)

Each state agency shall assist the task force in the

performance of its duties and, to the extent permitted by laws

relating to confidentiality, shall furnish information and advice

that the members of the task force consider necessary to perform

their duties.

(o)

A member of the task force may participate remotely in a

meeting of the task force by means of a video conference call or

online service.

(p) This section expires December 31, 2026.

SECTION 2. Not later than October 1, 2025, the governor

shall appoint the members of the task force on pollinator health

under Section 131.011(b), Agriculture Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives

a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as

provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this

Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this

Act takes effect September 1, 2025.