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Texas Agriculture Archive

November 18, 2005

By Billy Howe
State Legislative Director

"What do you all do in Austin when the legislature isn't in session?"

If we have been asked that question once, I guarantee you we've been asked hundreds of times. Our quick response is always, "Get ready for the next one."

The truth is, our "part-time" legislature is anything but. The legislature is in a constant two-year cycle of session, interim studies, and elections. Add to this mix the Texas Farm Bureau Program of Work, and the legislative team stays plenty busy.

However, the interim does not officially begin until the Speaker and Lieutenant Governor assign issues for the committees in each of their respective houses to study as the basis for legislation in the upcoming session. Speaker of the Texas House Tom Craddick has released the House Interim Charges, and it is expected that Lt. Gov. Dewhurst will not be long in releasing his. The House will be studying several issues with a potential to impact landowners and agricultural producers.

Texas Farm Bureau has been proactive in promoting energy alternatives, including renewable energy derived from agricultural commodities and by-products. The House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock will be studying the potential contributions of Texas agriculture to our energy supply. The state already has an incentive program for ethanol production, but this study has the potential of providing a framework for a state policy on converting agricultural products to energy.

Eminent domain has always been a big property rights issue for landowners. The issue is now front and center as a result of the Kelo decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. Speaker Craddick has asked the House Committee on Land and Resource Management to study whether it is appropriate that non-governmental entities should have the power of eminent domain. The railroad, pipeline, and electric companies will be very interested in this study. However, this study will be a great opportunity to tell the committee our member's experiences with these entities—including the issue of receiving some sort of participation or royalty payment for an easement. These are just two of over 50 studies the House will be conducting this interim. If you would like to read the other studies, you can find them on the Texas House of Representatives Website at www.house.state.tx.us.

These studies not only start our work on issues for next session, but the work of our grassroots leadership. They should be the topic of conversation with your legislators and your neighbors for the next year.