Agriculture Code § 80.020

Sec. 80.020. AUTHORITY TO PROHIBIT PLANTING OF CITRUS AND REQUIRE PARTICIPATION IN SUPPRESSION PROGRAM. (a) The commissioner may adopt reasonable rules regarding areas where citrus may not be planted in a pest management zone if there is reason to believe planting will jeopardize the success of the program or present a hazard to public health or safety. (b) The commissioner may adopt rules requiring all growers of citrus in a pest management zone to participate in a pest suppression program and growers of commercial citrus to participate in pest and disease management programs that include cost sharing as required by the rules. (c) Notice of a prohibition or requirement shall be given by publication for one day each week for three successive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in the affected area. (d) The commissioner may adopt a reasonable schedule of penalty fees to be assessed against growers in a designated pest management zone who do not meet the requirements of the rules issued by the commissioner relating to reporting of acreage and participation in cost sharing. A penalty fee may not exceed $50 per acre. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 506 (S.B. 1016), Sec. 10.01, eff. September 1, 2009. Amended by: Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 29 (S.B. 1749), Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2015.