Texas HB 3322: Relating to the establishment of the office of food system security and resiliency in the Department of Agriculture.

Bill Text

By:AAGoodwin H.B.ANo.A3322
Substitute the following forAH.B.ANo.A3322:
By:AACain C.S.H.B.ANo.A3322
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of the office of food system security
and resiliency in the Department of Agriculture.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTIONA1.AAChapter 12, Agriculture Code, is amended by
adding Section 12.052 to read as follows:
Sec.A12.052.AAOFFICE OF FOOD SYSTEM SECURITY AND RESILIENCY.
(a) In this section, "office" means the office of food system
security and resiliency established by this section.
(b)AAThe office of food system security and resiliency is
established as a division within the department.
(c)AAThe office is responsible for food system security and
resiliency in this state, including:
(1)AAcoordinating state resources and programs so food
access industry professionals can efficiently use resources to meet
the needs of this state;
(2)AAensuring a food system in this state that is free
of disruption;
(3)AApromoting the growth, manufacture, and processing
of agricultural products in this state for farm-to-store and
farm-to-table consumption;
(4)AAdeveloping regional food system security and
resiliency planning by working with other state agencies, counties,
municipalities, school districts, and local governments; and
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88R20490 MP-D 1

(5)AApromoting policies to establish more localized
food markets or food access points through measures such as:
(A)AAconnecting retailers, distributors,
municipalities, counties, school districts, and other local
governments to local producers; and
(B)AAcollaborating with local stakeholders to
expand food access across this state.
(d)AAThe office shall, not later than December 1 of each
even-numbered year, make recommendations to the legislature for
legislation that may improve food system security and resiliency in
this state.
(e)AAIf the Texas food system security and resiliency
planning council is established by an Act of the 88th Legislature,
Regular Session, 2023, the office shall manage that council and
coordinate with that council to implement Subsection (c)(5).
SECTIONA2.AAThis Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
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C.S.H.B.ANo.A3322
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