House Bill No. 1437 establishes a Task Force on Pollinator Health within the Texas Agriculture Code. The task force will be appointed by the governor and will consist of various members, including experts in pollinator health, representatives from advocacy groups, and a beekeeper. The task force is tasked with examining issues related to pollinator health, such as developing new pollinator habitats, studying successful public education plans from other states, and investigating data collection methods for pollinator populations. The task force will also have the authority to schedule hearings, take testimony, and adopt necessary bylaws for its operation.
The bill outlines specific provisions for the task force's functioning, including quorum requirements, the election of a presiding officer, and the appointment of members to fill vacancies. It mandates that the task force submit a report, potentially including legislative recommendations, to the relevant legislative committees by October 1, 2026. Additionally, it allows for remote participation in meetings and requires state agencies to assist the task force in its duties. The section establishing the task force will expire on December 31, 2026. The governor is required to appoint the task force members by October 1, 2025, and the bill will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote or on September 1, 2025, if not.
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