HB 1276 –New plant disease study

HB 1276 mandates a new government study on plant diseases and pests, tasking Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service with evaluating current state response efforts. While improving agricultural resilience is worthwhile, this bill adds another layer of bureaucracy without guarantees of implementation or measurable outcomes. Rather than funding another taxpayer-financed report, the Legislature should focus on streamlining existing agency coordination or leveraging private-sector expertise already working in this area. The bill creates a temporary program that requires new administrative work and reporting with no clear cost controls or spending cap. It places no limits on how much time or money may be used for the study. From a limited government standpoint, this is another example of reactive policymaking through study commissions instead of accountable action. Taxpayers should not bear the burden of open-ended research projects that may lead nowhere, when private sector initiatives should take the lead.