reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 41 - Commodity Producers Boards › Subchapter I. Texas Grain Producer Indemnity Board › Section 41.205. Powers and Duties of Board

Sec. 41.205.  POWERS AND DUTIES OF BOARD.  (a)  The board shall meet at least quarterly to:
(1)  review expenses of the board, claims made to the board by grain producers, and amounts paid on claims by the board;
(2)  coordinate all matters relating to the board, including the board's budget under Section 41.059, and the revenues necessary to accomplish the purposes of the board;
(3)  establish, maintain, or adjust the rate of assessments collected under Section 41.206; and
(4)  determine the most effective use of the board's budget to provide protection to grain producers.
(b)  Notwithstanding Chapter 551, Government Code, the board may hold an open or closed meeting by telephone conference call or videoconference if:
(1)  immediate action or a quarterly meeting is required; and
(2)  the location at which a quorum of the board convenes is inconvenient for any member of the board.
(c)  A meeting under Subsection (b) is subject to the notice requirements of Chapter 551, Government Code.
(d)  Notice of a meeting under Subsection (b) must specify that the location at which meetings of the board are usually held is the location of the meeting.
(e)  Each part of an open meeting under Subsection (b) shall be conducted in a manner that is audible to the public at the location specified in the notice of the meeting.  The board shall ensure that each open meeting is tape recorded and that the tape recording is made available to the public after the meeting.
(f)  The board may borrow money, with the approval of the commissioner, as necessary to implement this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 991 (H.B. 1840), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2011.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 33 (S.B. 1099), Sec. 4, eff. May 19, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 33 (S.B. 1099), Sec. 5, eff. May 19, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 41 - Commodity Producers Boards › Subchapter I. Texas Grain Producer Indemnity Board › Section 41.206. Collection of Assessment

Sec. 41.206.  COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENT.  (a)  Except as provided by this subsection, a grain buyer shall collect assessments in the manner prescribed for processors under Section 41.081.  The assessment shall be collected at the first point of sale.  Section 41.081(b) does not apply to the collection of assessments under this section.
(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), not later than the 10th day of each quarter of the calendar year, the grain buyer shall remit the amount collected during the preceding quarter to the secretary-treasurer of the board for deposit with the bank selected by the board under Section 41.060.
(c)  The grain buyer may retain a portion of the assessment in an amount determined by the board to cover the grain buyer's administrative costs in collecting the assessment.
(d)  The board shall notify the grain producer of the manner by which the grain producer may initiate a claim under Section 41.208.  The notice may be provided in a manner determined by the board.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 991 (H.B. 1840), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2011.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 33 (S.B. 1099), Sec. 6, eff. May 19, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 41 - Commodity Producers Boards › Subchapter I. Texas Grain Producer Indemnity Board › Section 41.207. Assessments; Applicability of Other Law

Sec. 41.207.  ASSESSMENTS; APPLICABILITY OF OTHER LAW.  (a)  An assessment levied on grain producers shall be applied by the board to efforts relating to the indemnification of grain producers in this state, including administrative costs of conducting an assessment referendum.
(b)  Assessments collected by the board are not state funds and are not required to be deposited in the state treasury.
(c)  Sections 41.082 and 41.083 do not apply to an assessment collected under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 991 (H.B. 1840), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 41 - Commodity Producers Boards › Subchapter I. Texas Grain Producer Indemnity Board › Section 41.208. Initiation of Claim

Sec. 41.208.  INITIATION OF CLAIM.  (a)  A grain producer who has delivered grain to a grain buyer may initiate a claim with the board as provided by board rule if:
(1)  the grain buyer has suffered a financial failure and:
(A)  has failed to pay to a grain producer an amount owed to the grain producer; or
(B)  is unable to deliver to the grain producer grain held by the grain buyer for the grain producer as a bailment; and
(2)  the grain producer provides to the board:
(A)  written documentation showing that the grain was delivered to the grain buyer; and
(B)  a copy of the written contract for purchase of the grain signed by the grain producer and the grain buyer and showing:
(i)  the agreed price for the grain;
(ii)  the amount of grain purchased; and
(iii)  any other relevant term required by the board to establish facts related to the claim.
(b)  A claim under this section must:
(1)  be initiated:
(A)  not more than 60 days after the applicable claim initiation date; or
(B)  before a date determined by the board to be reasonable, if the board determines such a date; and
(2)  be for a loss of grain delivered to the grain buyer not more than one year before the applicable claim initiation date.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 991 (H.B. 1840), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 41 - Commodity Producers Boards › Subchapter I. Texas Grain Producer Indemnity Board › Section 41.210. Reimbursement of Board by Grain Buyer; Subrogation of Rights; Reinsurance

Sec. 41.210.  REIMBURSEMENT OF BOARD BY GRAIN BUYER; SUBROGATION OF RIGHTS; REINSURANCE.  (a)  If the board pays a claim against a grain buyer, the board is subrogated to the extent of the amount paid to a grain producer by the board to all rights of the grain producer against the grain buyer and any other entity from which the grain producer is entitled to a payment for the loss giving rise to the grain producer's claim under this subchapter.
(b)  Funds recovered under this section shall be deposited with the depository bank selected by the board under Section 41.060.
(c)  The board may purchase reinsurance policies to mitigate the board's financial risks.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 991 (H.B. 1840), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2011.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 33 (S.B. 1099), Sec. 8, eff. May 19, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 41 - Commodity Producers Boards › Subchapter I. Texas Grain Producer Indemnity Board › Section 41.211. Rules

Sec. 41.211.  RULES.  Except as provided by Section 41.212, the board may adopt rules as necessary to implement this subchapter, including rules relating to:
(1)  notice and collection of assessments;
(2)  the orderly distribution of refunds;
(3)  the management of the board's budget;
(4)  the use of insurance and reinsurance products;
(5)  administration of the board's duties;
(6)  the statewide referendum conducted under Section 41.212;
(7)  the selection of agents, designees, or devices to carry out the intent of the board; and
(8)  guidelines for industry practices that do or do not qualify for indemnification by the board.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 991 (H.B. 1840), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2011.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 33 (S.B. 1099), Sec. 9, eff. May 19, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 41 - Commodity Producers Boards › Subchapter I. Texas Grain Producer Indemnity Board › Section 41.212. Referendum; Balloting

Sec. 41.212.  REFERENDUM; BALLOTING.  (a)  The commissioner shall conduct a referendum of grain producers to determine the maximum amount that may be assessed to a grain producer under Section 41.206.
(b)  Only a grain producer who has sold grain to a grain buyer in the 36 months preceding the date of the referendum is eligible to vote in the referendum.
(c)  An eligible grain producer may vote only once in a referendum.
(d)  Each grain producer's vote is entitled to equal weight regardless of the grain producer's volume of production.
(e)  A referendum is approved if a majority of votes cast are in favor of the referendum.
(f)  Individual voter information, including an individual's vote in a referendum conducted under this section, is confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.
(g)  The board shall locate private sources, including the organizations described by Section 41.204(a)(1), to pay all expenses incurred in conducting a referendum.
(h)  The commissioner shall adopt rules as necessary to implement this section.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 991 (H.B. 1840), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2011.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 33 (S.B. 1099), Sec. 10, eff. May 19, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 41 - Commodity Producers Boards › Subchapter I. Texas Grain Producer Indemnity Board › Section 41.213. Notice of Referendum

Sec. 41.213.  NOTICE OF REFERENDUM.  (a)  The commissioner shall give public notice of:
(1)  the date, hours, and polling places for voting in the referendum conducted under Section 41.212;
(2)  the estimated amount of the assessment proposed to be collected, as determined by the board, and the basis for which the assessment will be collected; and
(3)  a description of the manner in which the assessment is to be collected and the proceeds administered and used.
(b)  The commissioner shall publish the notice under Subsection (a) in one or more statewide or regional newspapers that provide reasonable notice throughout the state.  The notice shall be published at least 90 days before the date of the referendum.  In addition, at least 90 days before the date of the referendum the commissioner shall give direct written notice to the county agent in each county of this state.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 991 (H.B. 1840), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 41 - Commodity Producers Boards › Subchapter I. Texas Grain Producer Indemnity Board › Section 41.2145. Refund of Assessments

Sec. 41.2145.  REFUND OF ASSESSMENTS.  (a)  A grain producer who has paid an assessment under Section 41.206 may be eligible for a refund from excess money in the indemnity fund as provided by this section.
(b)  As a part of the annual budget proposal procedure described by Section 41.059, the board shall review the budget for the next year and the board's current financial status.  Based on that review, the board shall determine whether funds are available in excess of the minimum fund balance to issue refunds to grain producers who paid an assessment under Section 41.206.
(c)  The board shall adopt rules regarding the procedure for determining the amount of a grain producer's refund and the timing, method, and order of refund issuance.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 33 (S.B. 1099), Sec. 11, eff. May 19, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 41 - Commodity Producers Boards › Subchapter I. Texas Grain Producer Indemnity Board › Section 41.215. Annual Report

Sec. 41.215.  ANNUAL REPORT.  (a)  The board shall submit a report to the commissioner annually that contains a summary of the board's activities and a review of the board's effectiveness.
(b)  The board shall post the report online on the board's Internet website.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 991 (H.B. 1840), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 41 - Commodity Producers Boards › Subchapter I. Texas Grain Producer Indemnity Board › Section 41.216. Administrative Review

Sec. 41.216.  ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW.  (a)  The board by rule shall establish an administrative review process to informally review and resolve claims arising from an action of the board under this subchapter.  The board shall adopt rules:
(1)  designating which board actions are subject to review under this section; and
(2)  outlining available remedial actions.
(b)  A person may appeal an administrative review decision made by the board under Subsection (a) to the commissioner.
(c)  A person may appeal a decision of the commissioner in the manner provided for a contested case under Chapter 2001, Government Code.
(d)  This section does not waive this state's sovereign immunity.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 33 (S.B. 1099), Sec. 12, eff. May 19, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter A. County Experiment Stations › Section 43.001. Definitions

Sec. 43.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Director" means the director of the county experiment station.
(2)  "Experiment station" means an agricultural experiment farm and station established under this subchapter.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1093, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter A. County Experiment Stations › Section 43.002. Establishment

Sec. 43.002.  ESTABLISHMENT.  In accordance with this subchapter, the commissioners court of any county may establish and operate an experiment station in that county.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1093, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter A. County Experiment Stations › Section 43.003. Petition and Election Order

Sec. 43.003.  PETITION AND ELECTION ORDER.  (a)  If a number of qualified voters equal to 10 percent or more of the voters of the county who voted for governor in the last preceding gubernatorial election sign and present to the commissioners court a petition calling for establishment of a county experiment station under this subchapter, the commissioners court shall order an election on the proposition to be held on the next uniform election date that is at least 30 days after the date of the order.
(b)  The order must be signed by the county judge.  Copies of the order shall be posted at the door of the county courthouse and at all post offices in the county.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1094, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter A. County Experiment Stations › Section 43.004. Application of General Election Law

Sec. 43.004.  APPLICATION OF GENERAL ELECTION LAW.  Except as otherwise provided by this subchapter, the election shall be conducted in accordance with general law relating to county elections.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1094, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter A. County Experiment Stations › Section 43.005. Election Ballot

Sec. 43.005.  ELECTION BALLOT.  The ballot shall be printed to provide for voting for or against the proposition:  "Establishment of a county experiment station."
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1094, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter A. County Experiment Stations › Section 43.006. Election Returns

Sec. 43.006.  ELECTION RETURNS.  The election officers shall certify to the commissioners court the number of votes cast for each proposition.  If the majority of votes are cast in favor of establishing a county experiment station, the commissioners court shall declare the result and establish the experiment station in accordance with this subchapter.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1094, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter A. County Experiment Stations › Section 43.007. Acquisition of Property

Sec. 43.007.  ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY.  (a)  The commissioners court shall acquire an amount of land reasonably expected to support an experiment station that will produce revenue sufficient to maintain the station, as determined by the court.  The land and necessary improvements may be acquired either through donation with good title of land and sufficient houses, residences, and barns, or through purchase under Subsection (b) of this section.
(b)  If approved at an election conducted under Chapter 1251, Government Code, the commissioners court may issue bonds or warrants for the purpose of acquiring land and constructing buildings and improvements for an experiment station.  The commissioners court may levy and collect a tax sufficient to pay the annual interest and to provide a sinking fund for the payment of principal on the bonds or warrants at maturity.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1094, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 8.201, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter A. County Experiment Stations › Section 43.008. Location

Sec. 43.008.  LOCATION.  The experiment station shall be located at or as near the county seat as practicable.  If no land is donated for the station within two miles of the county seat, the commissioners court may acquire land for the experiment station anywhere in the county, having due regard for the benefits to be derived from the station.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1094, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter A. County Experiment Stations › Section 43.009. Supervision

Sec. 43.009.  SUPERVISION.  (a)  The experiment station shall be operated in cooperation with, and in a manner similar to, state experiment stations.  The director of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station at College Station shall advise the county in the operation of the county's experiment station.
(b)  The commissioners court shall appoint a director to supervise the operation of the experiment station and perform other duties prescribed by the court.  In order to serve as director, a person must be a practical farmer and pass an examination relating to his or her general knowledge and education and to his or her knowledge of farming, stock raising, and other affairs incidental to successful farm life.  The director of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station or that director's designee shall prescribe and administer the examination.
(c)  The director of a county experiment station is entitled to compensation of:
(1)  a salary set by the commissioners court at not less than $75 a month;  and
(2)  a residence at the station, free of cost to the director and his or her family.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1094, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter A. County Experiment Stations › Section 43.010. Supplies and Improvements

Sec. 43.010.  SUPPLIES AND IMPROVEMENTS.  The commissioners court shall supply the experiment station with all necessary buildings, equipment, and materials and shall provide for needed improvements.  In addition, the commissioners court shall supply stock, including work stock and cattle for service and breeding purposes, as necessary to promote the improvement of the farm and stock raising industry of the county.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1095, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter A. County Experiment Stations › Section 43.011. Labor

Sec. 43.011.  LABOR.  With the advice and approval of the commissioners court, the director may employ labor necessary to the operation of the experiment station.  The county may not maintain paupers on the experiment station or permit them to work on the station.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1095, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter A. County Experiment Stations › Section 43.012. Records

Sec. 43.012.  RECORDS.  The director shall keep a complete and accurate record of:
(1)  rainfall, temperature, winds, and general climatic conditions;
(2)  the planting, cultivation, and marketing of all crops;  and
(3)  the management and observation of the station and the station's livestock.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1095, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter A. County Experiment Stations › Section 43.013. Annual Report

Sec. 43.013.  ANNUAL REPORT.  The director shall make an annual report to the commissioners court detailing the methods employed and results received on the county experiment station.  With approval of the commissioners court, the county shall publish the report and mail it without cost to each person in the county engaged in farming.  The report shall be mailed to others on request and to each experiment station in the state, the office of the commissioner of agriculture, and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1095, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter A. County Experiment Stations › Section 43.014. Public Inspection and Information

Sec. 43.014.  PUBLIC INSPECTION AND INFORMATION.  (a)  The director shall at all reasonable times keep the experiment station open to public inspection.
(b)  The director shall disseminate information to the public explaining the manner and methods of preparation, soil culture, cultivation, gathering, preservation, and marketing the products of the experiment station.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1095, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter A. County Experiment Stations › Section 43.015. Sale of Products

Sec. 43.015.  SALE OF PRODUCTS.  (a)  In accordance with the rules of the commissioners court, the director shall market and sell the products of the experiment station.
(b)  The director shall remit proceeds from the sale of products to the county treasurer, who shall deposit the proceeds in the general fund of the county.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1095, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter A. County Experiment Stations › Section 43.016. Expenses

Sec. 43.016.  EXPENSES.  On warrants drawn by the director and approved by the county judge, the county shall pay all expenses incurred in the operation of the experiment station, including the cost of labor and the director's salary, out of its general funds.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1096, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter A. County Experiment Stations › Section 43.017. Lease of Station

Sec. 43.017.  LEASE OF STATION.  (a)  The commissioners court may not lease or allow to be leased an experiment station acquired by donation.
(b)  The commissioners court may lease an experiment station acquired by purchase under Section 43.007(b) of this code to the state or to any agency of the federal government under terms agreed on by the court and the lessor.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1096, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter B. County Demonstration Work › Section 43.031. Demonstration Work

Sec. 43.031.  DEMONSTRATION WORK.  The commissioners court of any county may establish and conduct cooperative demonstration work in agriculture and home economics in cooperation with Texas A & M University.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1096, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter B. County Demonstration Work › Section 43.032. Terms of Agreement With Texas a & M University

Sec. 43.032.  TERMS OF AGREEMENT WITH TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY.  The demonstration work shall be conducted on terms and conditions agreed to by the commissioners court and the agents of Texas A & M University.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1096, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter B. County Demonstration Work › Section 43.033. Expenses

Sec. 43.033.  EXPENSES.  The commissioners court may employ any means and may appropriate and expend money as necessary to establish and conduct demonstration work under this subchapter.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1096, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter C. Railway Experiment Farms › Section 43.051. Establishment

Sec. 43.051.  ESTABLISHMENT.  For the purpose of aiding in the development of the agricultural and horticultural resources of Texas, any railway corporation operating in Texas may acquire, maintain, and operate or cause to be operated demonstration and experiment farms, orchards, and gardens.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1096, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter C. Railway Experiment Farms › Section 43.052. Method of Acquisition

Sec. 43.052.  METHOD OF ACQUISITION.  A railway corporation may acquire a farm, orchard, or garden by lease or purchase.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1096, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 43 - County and Railway Agricultural Experiment Farms and Stations and County Demonstration Work › Subchapter C. Railway Experiment Farms › Section 43.053. Number and Acreage Limitations

Sec. 43.053.  NUMBER AND ACREAGE LIMITATIONS.  (a)  A farm, orchard, or garden established under this subchapter may not exceed 1,000 acres in size.
(b)  A railway corporation may not own or control more than four farms, orchards, or gardens under this subchapter.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1096, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 44 - Agricultural Diversification and Microenterprise Support Programs › Section 44.001. Definitions

Sec. 44.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Eligible lending institution" means a financial institution that makes commercial loans, is either a depository of state funds or an institution of the Farm Credit System headquartered in this state, and agrees to participate in the interest rate reduction program and to provide collateral equal to the amount of linked deposits placed with it.
(2)  "Eligible borrower" means a person who proposes to use the proceeds of a loan under this chapter in a manner that will help accomplish the state's goal of fostering the creation and expansion of enterprises based on agriculture in this state.
(3)  Repealed by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 506, Sec. 1.21(1), eff. September 1, 2009.
(4)  "Linked deposit" means a time deposit governed by a written deposit agreement between the state and an eligible lending institution that provides:
(A)  that the eligible lending institution pay interest on the deposit at a rate that is not less than the greater of:
(i)  the current market rate of a United States treasury bill or note of comparable maturity minus two percent;  or
(ii)  1.5 percent;
(B)  that the state not withdraw any part of the deposit before the expiration of a period set by a written advance notice of the intention to withdraw;  and
(C)  that the eligible lending institution agree to lend the value of the deposit to an eligible borrower at a maximum rate that is the linked deposit rate plus a maximum of four percent.
(5)  "Microenterprise" means a small business located in a rural area in which the owner operates the enterprise.  Priority under this chapter shall be given to microenterprises which demonstrate significant potential for expansion that will provide jobs in economically depressed rural communities or to currently unemployed rural residents.
(6)  "Rural area" means an area which is predominantly rural in character, being one which the board defines and declares to be a rural area.
(7)  "Board" means the board of directors of the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority in Chapter 58.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., 2nd C.S., ch. 32, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Nov. 3, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1247, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;  Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 644, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993;  Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 1041, Sec. 3, eff. Aug. 30, 1993;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 419, Sec. 5.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1459, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 1999;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 26, Sec. 1, eff. May 2, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 506 (S.B. 1016), Sec. 1.01, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 506 (S.B. 1016), Sec. 1.21(1), eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 44 - Agricultural Diversification and Microenterprise Support Programs › Section 44.002. Creation of Microenterprise Programs

Sec. 44.002.  CREATION OF MICROENTERPRISE PROGRAMS.  The board shall create a microenterprise support program to provide financial assistance to microenterprises in rural areas.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., 2nd C.S., ch. 32, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Nov. 3, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1247, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 419, Sec. 5.02, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1459, Sec. 2, eff. June 19, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 44 - Agricultural Diversification and Microenterprise Support Programs › Section 44.0045. Microenterprise Support Program Loans

Sec. 44.0045.  MICROENTERPRISE SUPPORT PROGRAM LOANS.  (a)  The board shall administer a loan program supporting established and proposed microenterprises in rural areas by providing loans to expand, modernize, or otherwise improve established microenterprises and to begin operation of proposed microenterprises.
(b)  An applicant applying on behalf of a proposed microenterprise may receive a loan of up to $25,000 to begin operation of the microenterprise.
(c)  An applicant applying on behalf of an established microenterprise may receive a loan of up to $50,000 to expand, modernize, or otherwise improve an established operation.
(d)  The board may reserve a portion of the total fund for use in cooperative loan programs established with the participation of other public or private lenders.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1247, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 419, Sec. 5.04, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1459, Sec. 3, eff. June 19, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 44 - Agricultural Diversification and Microenterprise Support Programs › Section 44.008. Compliance

Sec. 44.008.  COMPLIANCE.  (a)  On accepting a linked deposit, an eligible lending institution must loan money to eligible borrowers in accordance with the deposit agreement and this chapter.  The eligible lending institution shall forward a compliance report to the board.
(b)  The board shall monitor compliance with this chapter and inform the comptroller of noncompliance on the part of an eligible lending institution.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., 2nd C.S., ch. 32, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Nov. 3, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 419, Sec. 5.08, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1010, Sec. 5.10, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1423, Sec. 2.03, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 44 - Agricultural Diversification and Microenterprise Support Programs › Section 44.009. State Liability Prohibited

Sec. 44.009.  STATE LIABILITY PROHIBITED.  The state is not liable to an eligible lending institution for payment of the principal, interest, or any late charges on a loan made to an eligible borrower.  A delay in payment or default on a loan by an eligible borrower does not affect the validity of the deposit agreement.  Linked deposits are not an extension of the state's credit within the meaning of any state constitutional prohibition.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., 2nd C.S., ch. 32, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Nov. 3, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1010, Sec. 5.10, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 44 - Agricultural Diversification and Microenterprise Support Programs › Section 44.010. Limitations in Program

Sec. 44.010.  LIMITATIONS IN PROGRAM.  (a)  At any one time, not more than $30 million may be placed in linked deposits under this chapter.
(b)  The maximum amount of a loan under this chapter is $500,000.
(c)  A loan granted pursuant to this chapter may be used for any agriculture-related operating expense, including the purchase or lease of land or fixed assets acquisition or improvement, as identified in the application.
(d)  A loan granted pursuant to this chapter may be applied to existing debt as described in Section 44.007.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., 2nd C.S., ch. 32, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Nov. 3, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 644, Sec. 3, eff. Aug. 30, 1993;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1010, Sec. 5.10, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1459, Sec. 5, eff. June 19, 1999;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 26, Sec. 3, eff. May 2, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 506 (S.B. 1016), Sec. 1.04, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 44 - Agricultural Diversification and Microenterprise Support Programs › Section 44.012. Money for Loans

Sec. 44.012.  MONEY FOR LOANS.  The board may accept gifts and grants of money from the federal government, local governments, or private corporations or other persons for use in making loans under the rural microenterprise support program.  The legislature may appropriate money for loans under the program.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., 2nd C.S., ch. 32, art. 1, Sec. 1, eff. Nov. 3, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1247, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 419, Sec. 5.10, eff. Sept. 1, 1995;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1459, Sec. 6, eff. June 19, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 44 - Agricultural Diversification and Microenterprise Support Programs › Section 44.013. Rural Microenterprise Development Fund

Sec. 44.013.  RURAL MICROENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT FUND.  The rural microenterprise development fund is a fund in the comptroller's office. Money appropriated to the board for use in making loans under the rural microenterprise support program, other amounts received by the state for loans made under the program, and other money received by the board for the program and required by the board to be deposited in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund.  The fund shall operate as a revolving fund, the contents of which shall be applied and reapplied for the purposes of the rural microenterprise support program.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1247, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1459, Sec. 6, eff. June 19, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 44A - Urban Farm Microenterprise Support Program › Section 44A.001. Definitions

Sec. 44A.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Board" means the board of directors of the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority.
(2)  "Microenterprise" means a small business in which the owner operates the enterprise.
(3)  "Urban area" means an area inside the boundaries of a municipality with a population of 500,000 or more.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 558 (H.B. 2994), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 44A - Urban Farm Microenterprise Support Program › Section 44A.002. Creation of Urban Farm Microenterprise Support Program

Sec. 44A.002.  CREATION OF URBAN FARM MICROENTERPRISE SUPPORT PROGRAM.  (a)  The board shall create an urban farm microenterprise support program to provide financial assistance to microenterprises in urban areas that are primarily engaged in:
(1)  research into processes and technology related to agricultural production in an urban setting;
(2)  the production or development of tools or processes for agriculture in a manner suited for an urban setting; or
(3)  agricultural activities in a manner suited for an urban setting.
(b)  No state money may be used for purposes of the program.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 558 (H.B. 2994), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 44A - Urban Farm Microenterprise Support Program › Section 44A.003. Urban Farm Microenterprise Support Program Loans

Sec. 44A.003.  URBAN FARM MICROENTERPRISE SUPPORT PROGRAM LOANS.  (a)  On the receipt of gifts and grants of money under Section 44A.004, the board shall establish and implement a loan program supporting established and proposed urban farm microenterprises in urban areas by providing loans to expand, modernize, or otherwise improve the established microenterprises and to begin operation of proposed microenterprises.
(b)  An applicant applying on behalf of a proposed microenterprise may receive a loan of up to $25,000 to begin operation of the microenterprise.
(c)  An applicant applying on behalf of an established microenterprise may receive a loan of up to $50,000 to expand, modernize, or otherwise improve an established microenterprise.
(d)  The board may reserve a portion of the total fund for use in cooperative loan programs established with the participation of other public or private lenders.
(e)  The board by rule may provide for the administration by a private or public entity of the loans awarded under the loan program.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 558 (H.B. 2994), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 44A - Urban Farm Microenterprise Support Program › Section 44A.004. Money for Loans

Sec. 44A.004.  MONEY FOR LOANS.  The board may accept gifts and grants of money from the federal government, local governments, or private corporations or other persons for use in making loans under the urban farm microenterprise support program.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 558 (H.B. 2994), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 44A - Urban Farm Microenterprise Support Program › Section 44A.005. Urban Farm Microenterprise Development Fund

Sec. 44A.005.  URBAN FARM MICROENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT FUND.  The urban farm microenterprise development fund is a fund in the comptroller's office.  The following shall be deposited to the credit of the fund:
(1)  amounts received by the state for loans made under the urban farm microenterprise support program;
(2)  money received in repayment of loans made under the program; and
(3)  other money received by the board for the program and required by the board to be deposited in the fund.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 558 (H.B. 2994), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 45 - Texas-Israel Exchange Research Program › Section 45.001. Legislative Findings; Purpose

Sec. 45.001.  LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS; PURPOSE.  (a)  The legislature finds that Texas and Israel have many interests in common.  They face many of the same difficulties in agriculture; the geography of both areas produces semiarid climatic conditions; there is present in both areas a rising demand for a limited supply of water coupled with increasing pressures to minimize the use of energy in all aspects of agriculture.  Scientific and technological cooperatives already produce close ties between the two areas while engaging in binational projects for scientific and industrial research and development.
A program to support joint agricultural research and development by, and the development of trade and business relations between, Texas and Israel will address common problems and make substantial contributions to the development of agriculture, trade, and business in both areas.  Since Texas has long emphasized broad-based agricultural research and Israel has originated and developed agricultural technologies designed to maximize production with minimal use of resources such as water and labor, each of the two areas will benefit by sharing information and expertise.
(b)  The purpose of this chapter is to:
(1)  establish a program to promote and support practical and applied agricultural research and development that will result in mutual benefit to Texas and Israel and will help to provide solutions to food and fiber production problems wherever they exist, particularly those relating to water conservation; and
(2)  establish a program of mutual cooperation that will foster the development of trade, mutual assistance, and business relations between Texas and Israel.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1210, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 225, Sec. 2, eff. May 18, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 506 (S.B. 1016), Sec. 3.02, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 45 - Texas-Israel Exchange Research Program › Section 45.002. Definition

Sec. 45.002.  DEFINITION.  In this chapter,  "applied research" means the process of assembling knowledge gained by careful and diligent search and studious inquiry and examination and using that knowledge to solve practical, real-world problems.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1210, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 225, Sec. 3, eff. May 18, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 506 (S.B. 1016), Sec. 3.03, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Agriculture Code › Title 3 - Agricultural Research and Promotion › Chapter 45 - Texas-Israel Exchange Research Program › Section 45.005. General Functions, Powers, and Duties

Sec. 45.005.  GENERAL FUNCTIONS, POWERS, AND DUTIES.  (a)  The department may establish a binational program to support joint agricultural research and development with Israel.  The scope of agricultural research and development which the program may promote and support encompasses all scientific activities related to agriculture, including production, processing, marketing, and agricultural services, with emphasis on the support of applied research to improve water, labor, and energy utilization in agriculture.
(b)  The program shall support applied research in areas of potential mutual interest, including:
(1)  water conservation;
(2)  water management and use;
(3)  soil management and conservation;
(4)  innovative sources of energy for agricultural production;
(5)  environmental aspects of agricultural technology;
(6)  intensive crop production; and
(7)  agricultural engineering and processing.
(c)  The program may undertake agricultural research and development projects of mutual benefit that are located in Texas, Israel, or any other location considered advisable by the department.
(d)  The department may make research or development grants or loans to public or private entities who intend to carry out the stated objectives of the program.
(e)  The program shall encourage or support the exchange of agricultural producers, scientists, teachers, students, or other types of agricultural experts between the two cooperating areas of Texas and Israel.
(f)  The program shall encourage and support mutual cooperation that will foster the development of trade, mutual assistance, and business relations between Texas and Israel.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1210, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 225, Sec. 5, eff. May 18, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 506 (S.B. 1016), Sec. 3.04, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 848 (S.B. 703), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2021.