The department shall provide money to an institution of higher education to carry out plant pest and disease detection and surveillance under a cooperative agreement if the department determines that:

1. (1) the institution of higher education is in a region of this state that has a high risk of being affected by one or more plant pests or diseases based on:

   1. (A) the region's conduciveness to agricultural pest and disease establishment due to location, agricultural commodities produced, climate, crop diversity, or natural resources; or
   2. (B) the department's determination that an agricultural pest or disease in the region is a state or federal concern; and

2. (2) the plant pest and disease detection and surveillance supported by the money will likely:

   1. (A) prevent the introduction, establishment, or widespread dissemination of plant pests and diseases; and
   2. (B) provide a comprehensive approach to complement federal and state plant pest and disease detection efforts.

Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 27 (H.B. 2089), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.