TITLE 4.AGRICULTURE

Part 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Chapter 4. COOPERATIVE MARKETING ASSOCIATIONS

4 TAC §4.2

The Texas Department of Agriculture (the department) proposes an amendment to §4.2, concerning licensing of cooperative marketing associations. The amendment is proposed to make §4.2 consistent with the current agency process for issuing cooperative marketing association licenses.

David Kostroun, assistant commissioner for regulatory programs, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendment is in effect there is no anticipated fiscal impact for state and local governments as a result of administering or enforcing the rule amendment, as proposed.

Mr. Kostroun also has determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed amendment is in effect, the public benefits anticipated as a result of administering and enforcing the section, as amended, will be to make the section consistent with current agency practice for the issuing of cooperative marketing association licenses, and to give interested members of the public correct information on the term of a cooperative marketing association license. There is no cost anticipated to micro-businesses, small businesses or individuals required to comply with the amendment.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to David Kostroun, Assistant Commissioner for Regulatory Programs, Texas Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 12847, Austin, Texas 78711. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date of publication of the proposal in the Texas Register .

The amendment is proposed under Texas Agriculture Code (the Code), §12.016, which provides the department with the authority to adopt rules as necessary for the administration of its powers and duties under the Code, including Chapter 52, relating to cooperative marketing associations.

The code that is affected by the proposal is the Texas Agriculture Code, Chapter 52.

§4.2.Who May Obtain a License.

(a) - (c) (No change.)

(d) Licenses expire one year from the date of issuance [ on staggered dates based on the licensee's fiscal year end ] or when [ until ] the association is dissolved or its charter is forfeited.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 9, 2005.

TRD-200501845

Dolores Alvarado Hibbs

Deputy General Counsel

Texas Department of Agriculture

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 19, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 463-4075