(a) The committee shall:
(1) facilitate the exchange of information so that each member agency is informed of committee plans, recommendations, and proposals for research, education, and implementation of activities to:
(A) prevent, detect, assess, monitor, contain, and control or eradicate invasive species; and
(B) reduce environmental and economic threats and threats to human health from invasive species; and
(2) provide a forum for developing coordinated interagency strategies and policies for invasive species control.
(a-1) The committee may:
(1) serve as a catalyst for cooperation between state agencies in the area of invasive species control;
(2) facilitate governmental efforts, including efforts of local governments and special districts, to prevent and manage invasive species;
(3) make recommendations to state agencies regarding research, technology transfer, and management actions related to invasive species control;
(4) provide technical information and input to regional and national invasive species control coordination efforts, including the National Invasive Species Management Plan;
(5) facilitate the review of committee technical decisions and work product by specialists and interested persons; and
(6) report as needed to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives on committee plans, work product, and accomplishments.
(b) Each member agency of the committee shall:
(1) coordinate the agency's invasive species control activities with the committee and relevant coordinating bodies, including the National Invasive Species Council;
(2) share with the committee the agency's technical expertise related to invasive species;
(3) advise the committee of known invasive species threats to natural and agricultural resources; and
(4) cooperate, to the extent allowed by law, in initiatives to obtain appropriations and grants for invasive species control.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 98 (H.B. 865 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
