Relating to the plant disease and pest prevention grant program.

HB 1269 creates a grant program administered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to fund research on plant disease and pest prevention. It provides grants to researchers at Texas institutions of higher education who meet specific eligibility requirements, including letters of support from their institution, local community representatives, and a state elected official. The program limits grants to 20 per year, prioritizes statewide regional diversity, and requires funds to be distributed by September 1 annually. Funding comes from gifts, grants, interest, and legislative appropriations deposited into a dedicated fund, with the bill taking effect September 1, 2025.