ADVISORY COMMITTEES.

(a) The commissioner may appoint an advisory committee for an existing eradication zone or an area of the state that is to be considered by the commissioner for designation as or inclusion in an eradication zone. The committee shall gather advice, input, and guidance from cotton growers from the area represented by the committee concerning the interest in and concerns about the implementation of this subchapter.

(b) Each advisory committee may consider and make recommendations to the commissioner and the foundation concerning:

(1) the geographic boundaries for a proposed eradication zone;

(2) the amount of local interest in operating an eradication program;

(3) the basis and amount of an assessment necessary to support an eradication program;

(4) the need to restructure any pre-existing debt from prior eradication activities;

(5) ongoing implementation of an eradication program approved by growers in an eradication zone; and

(6) any other matter requested by the commissioner or the foundation.

(c) Each advisory committee appointed under this section shall include a sufficient number of cotton growers to ensure adequate representation across the eradication zone, including at least one cotton grower from each county in the zone and other persons as determined by the commissioner.

(d) Advisory committees appointed under this section are immune from lawsuits and liability to the same extent the foundation is immune from lawsuits and liability under Section 74.129.

(e) An advisory committee established under this section is subject to the requirements of Chapters 551 and 552, Government Code.