Sec. 50B.003. WINE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT FUND

(a) The wine industry development fund is an account in the general revenue fund and consists of funds deposited to the account under this section.

(b) Money in the account may be appropriated only to the department and may be used only for the purpose of:

(1) providing funding to public or private entities to conduct surveys, research, and other projects related to:

(A) developing the Texas wine industry;

(B) developing viticulture and enology-related education programs;

(C) eliminating and eradicating Pierce's disease, the glassy-winged sharpshooter, and other diseases and pests that negatively impact the production of grapes and wine in the United States; and

(D) developing technologies or practices that could benefit the production of grapes and wine; and

(2) any administrative costs the department incurs in fulfilling the purposes described by Subdivision (1).

(c) The account is exempt from the application of Section 403.095, Government Code.

(d) The department may accept grants, gifts, or gratuities from any source, including a governmental entity, a private or public corporation, or any other person, that are made for the purpose of furthering the Texas wine industry. Any funds received under this subsection shall be deposited in the wine industry development fund.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 878 , Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2005.