RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 17 co-sponsors

HB 858 boosts agricultural data collection by funding the Department of Agriculture and creating new positions, aiding farmers and policymakers with accurate statistics.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

#agriculturalstatisticsprogram #appropriations($) #doa #positions

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 858 (HB 858) aims to enhance the Agricultural Statistics Program within the Department of Agriculture (DOA) by providing necessary appropriations and establishing positions to improve data collection and analysis related to agricultural activities in the state. The bill seeks to ensure that accurate and comprehensive agricultural statistics are available to support policy-making, resource allocation, and industry growth.

Key Provisions

Appropriations: The bill includes provisions for funding to support the Agricultural Statistics Program. Specific dollar amounts for appropriations are not detailed in the provided information but are expected to be outlined in the final version of the bill.

Establishment of Positions: HB 858 proposes the creation of new positions within the DOA to facilitate the collection, analysis, and dissemination of agricultural data.

Amendments: The bill has undergone amendments during its legislative journey, specifically in the Senate, where it was reported as amended (SD 1) with recommendations for passage.

Legislative Timeline

Introduced: January 21, 2025

First Reading: February 28, 2025

Committee Hearings:

The bill was reviewed by the Agriculture (AGR) committee on February 12, 2025, where it was recommended for passage with amendments.
It subsequently passed through the Finance (FIN) committee on February 20, 2025, without amendments.

Second Reading: The bill passed its second reading on February 14, 2025, and was referred to the FIN committee.

Senate Actions: The bill was reported from the Agriculture and Environment (AEN) committee on March 17, 2025, with a recommendation for passage on second reading, as amended (SD 1), and was referred to the Ways and Means (WAM) committee.

Affected Parties

Department of Agriculture (DOA): The primary agency responsible for implementing the provisions of the bill.

Agricultural Producers: Farmers and agricultural businesses will benefit from improved data that can inform better decision-making and resource management.

Policymakers: Access to accurate agricultural statistics will aid in the formulation of policies that support the agricultural sector.

Conclusion

HB 858 represents a significant step toward strengthening the state's agricultural data infrastructure. By providing necessary funding and establishing dedicated positions, the bill aims to enhance the quality and availability of agricultural statistics, ultimately benefiting the agricultural community and policymakers alike. The bill is currently progressing through the legislative process, with further discussions and potential amendments expected as it moves to the WAM committee.

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