Bill > HB272

This bill establishes the Screwworm Abatement Trust (SWAT) Fund, a trust fund managed by the Texas state comptroller to support efforts related to preventing, controlling, and eradicating the New World Screwworm, a parasitic pest that can harm livestock and wildlife. The fund will be maintained outside the state treasury and can receive money through gifts, grants, donations, or appropriations, with a maximum balance of $50 million. The comptroller is authorized to distribute funds to public agencies, higher education institutions, and other governmental entities to support screwworm-related programs, research, surveillance, and emergency response activities. The fund allows for creating multiple accounts for specific screwworm-related purposes and enables the comptroller to coordinate with local, state, federal, and interstate agencies to ensure effective intergovernmental screwworm abatement efforts. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the necessary immediate vote.

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=891&Bill=HB272