H.B. No. 5339 proposes the establishment of the Higher Education Regenerative Agriculture Grant Program under a new Subchapter LL in Chapter 61 of the Education Code. This program, administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, aims to provide grants to public institutions of higher education for the study and implementation of regenerative agriculture practices. The bill outlines specific definitions related to the program, including "nonprofit organization," "program," and "regenerative agriculture," and details the objectives of the grants, which include researching successful regenerative agriculture operations, developing innovative methods for agricultural producers, and providing education and technical assistance to students and rural communities.

The bill also sets forth the eligibility criteria for institutions to receive grants, stipulates that no more than 30% of total grant funds can be awarded to a single institution, and emphasizes collaboration with nonprofit organizations and alignment with existing soil and water conservation programs. Additionally, it mandates the board to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of grant funds, including annual progress reports from grant recipients. The program is set to begin in the 2026-2027 academic year, contingent upon legislative appropriations specifically for this purpose. If such funding is not allocated, the board may still implement the program using other available appropriations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
House Committee Report: ()
Engrossed: ()