HB0110 Thomason, Larry et al

C O M M I T T E E

HB 110 -- BOLL WEEVIL ERADICATION

SPONSOR: Thomason

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Agriculture by a vote of 22 to 0.

This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture to establish a boll weevil eradication program. The department may cooperate with any agency of the federal government, any state, or any person engaged in growing, processing, marketing or handling of cotton in programs for boll weevil eradication. Such agreements may provide for cost sharing and division of duties and responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities of the director of the Department of Agriculture in carrying-out boll weevil eradication programs are set out in the bill.

The bill also permits the formation of a state wide cotton growers organization for the purpose of entering into agreements with the state, other states, the federal government, and other parties as may be necessary for boll weevil eradication. The cotton growers organization's membership, governing body, certification and other responsibilities are specified in the bill.

FISCAL NOTE: Estimated Net Effect on General Revenue Fund of $0 in FY 96, $0 in FY 97, & $0 in FY 98.

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that Missouri is the only state affected by Boll Weevil problems which is not currently participating in the federal eradication program. This enabling legislation qualifies Missouri cotton growers, at their collective discretion, to participate in the program.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Thomason; Cotton Producers of Missouri; Dr. Clyde Sorrenson, University of Missouri, Delta Center & Extension Office; and Missouri Farm Bureau.

OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Roland Tackett, Research Analyst