CHAPTER 776. TEXAS INVASIVE SPECIES COORDINATING COMMITTEE
GOVERNMENT CODE
TITLE 7. INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
CHAPTER 776. TEXAS INVASIVE SPECIES COORDINATING COMMITTEE
Sec. 776.001. DEFINITIONS.In this chapter:
(1) "Committee" means the Texas Invasive Species Coordinating
Committee.
(2) "Invasive species" means a species that is not native to an
ecosystem and whose introduction to the ecosystem causes or has
been demonstrated to cause economic harm, environmental harm, or
harm to human health. Humans, domestic and exotic livestock, and
non-harmful exotic organisms are not invasive species.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
98, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 776.002. MEMBER AGENCIES. (a) The member agencies of the
committee are:
(1) the Department of Agriculture;
(2) the Parks and Wildlife Department;
(3) the State Soil and Water Conservation Board;
(4) the Texas AgriLife Extension Service;
(5) the Texas Forest Service;
(6) the Texas Water Development Board; and
(7) any other state agency added to the committee under
Subsection (b).
(b) On the request of a state agency that has an interest in
controlling invasive species, the member agencies listed in
Subsections (a)(1)-(6) by unanimous agreement may add the agency
to the committee.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
98, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 776.003. REPRESENTATIVES. (a) The committee is composed
of one representative of each member agency. If an agency's
representative is unable to attend a committee meeting or
otherwise perform the representative's duties, the agency's
alternate representative shall serve in the representative's
place.
(b) The administrative head of each member agency:
(1) shall designate one individual to serve as the agency's
representative on the committee and one individual to serve as
alternate representative;
(2) may change the designated representative or alternate
representative at will; and
(3) after designating or changing the representative or
alternate representative, shall promptly notify the committee in
writing of the name and position of the new representative or
alternate representative.
(c) Service on the committee by a state officer or employee is
an additional duty of the representative's office or employment.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
98, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 776.004. DUTIES. (a) The committee shall:
(1) serve as a catalyst for cooperation between state agencies
in the area of invasive species control;
(2) facilitate governmental efforts, including efforts of local
governments and special districts, to prevent and manage invasive
species;
(3) make recommendations to state agencies regarding research,
technology transfer, and management actions related to invasive
species control;
(4) facilitate the exchange of information so that each member
agency is informed of committee plans, recommendations, and
proposals for research, education, and implementation of
activities to:
(A) prevent, detect, assess, monitor, contain, and control or
eradicate invasive species; and
(B) reduce environmental and economic threats and threats to
human health from invasive species;
(5) provide a forum for developing coordinated interagency
strategies and policies for invasive species control;
(6) provide technical information and input to regional and
national invasive species control coordination efforts, including
the National Invasive Species Management Plan;
(7) facilitate the review of committee technical decisions and
work product by specialists and interested persons; and
(8) report as needed to the governor, lieutenant governor, and
speaker of the house of representatives on committee plans, work
product, and accomplishments.
(b) Each member agency of the committee shall:
(1) coordinate the agency's invasive species control activities
with the committee and relevant coordinating bodies, including
the National Invasive Species Council;
(2) share with the committee the agency's technical expertise
related to invasive species;
(3) advise the committee of known invasive species threats to
natural and agricultural resources; and
(4) cooperate, to the extent allowed by law, in initiatives to
obtain appropriations and grants for invasive species control.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
98, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 776.005. BYLAWS. (a) The committee shall adopt bylaws
governing the committee's operations.
(b) The bylaws:
(1) must provide a procedure to periodically elect one
representative as committee chair;
(2) must provide a procedure to call committee meetings;
(3) must require the committee to meet at least annually; and
(4) may provide for the creation of subcommittees and advisory
committees.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
98, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 776.006. STAFF; ATTACHMENT. (a) The committee is
administratively attached to the State Soil and Water
Conservation Board.
(b) The State Soil and Water Conservation Board shall provide
one full-time equivalent employee to serve as committee
coordinator.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
98, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 776.007. SUNSET PROVISION. (a) The committee is subject
to Chapter 325 (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence
as provided by that chapter, the committee is abolished and this
chapter expires September 1, 2013.
(b) To the extent that Chapter 325 (Texas Sunset Act) places a
duty on a state agency subject to review under that chapter, the
State Soil and Water Conservation Board shall perform the duty as
it relates to the committee.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
98, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.