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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T





SPONSOR: Nunez DATE TYPED: 02/14/01 HB 499
SHORT TITLE: Control of Pink Bollworm Infestation SB
ANALYST: Fernandez


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY01 FY02 FY01 FY02
NFI



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



Duplicates SB484



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA)



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



House Bill 499 enacts the Pink Bollworm Control Act to provide for the eradication of the cotton insect Pectinophora Gossypiella.



Significant Issues



According to NMDA, cotton is a $39 million dollar industry in New Mexico. Currently, pink bollworm infestations are causing damages in Dona Ana, Luna, Sierra, Eddy and Chaves counties. NMDA monitors infestations in New Mexico and other states and reports that pink bollworm eradication programs are successful in California.



NMDA reports the United States Department of Agriculture encourages eradication programs and is willing to provide federal assistance to states with legislative authority in place.



FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



NMDA indicates that costs can be absorbed by the current budget.



ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS



NMDA is responsible for conducting public hearings, designating pink bollworm infested areas, budget preparation for hearings and referendums, holding referendums and providing technical support and advice for eradication plans.



OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES



According to NMDA, if the pink bollworm is not eradicated in New Mexico and surrounding cotton producing states achieve eradication, harvest equipment and raw cotton products grown in New Mexico may be subject to federal and state quarantines.



DUPLICATION



This bill duplicates SB484.



CTF/njw