Relating to the establishment by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of a grant program to support the study of regenerative agriculture at public institutions of higher education.
What changed between versions
Added formal definitions for 'Nonprofit organization' and 'Program' to clarify eligibility and program structure.
Established specific eligibility criteria requiring institutions to apply through board rules and meet additional criteria set by the board.
Created priority grant awards for institutions partnering with nonprofit organizations and those not deriving more than 25% of agricultural funding from synthetic pesticide manufacturers.
Added funding restrictions limiting any single institution to receive no more than 30% of total grant funds in a fiscal year.
Expanded grant use requirements to include specific purposes like multiyear research projects, healthy soil practices, and student-led initiatives.
Added annual reporting requirements including research achievements, measurable outcomes, and financial documentation.
Added consequences for misuse of funds including suspension of funding, disqualification from future grants, and repayment of misused funds.
Set implementation timeline with program beginning in 2026-2027 academic year and application forms available by January 1, 2026.
Added provisions for annual reports to the legislature and rules adoption requirements for program administration.
