COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS AUTHORIZED

(a) The foundation may carry out programs to destroy and eliminate the boll weevil and the pink bollworm in this state by cooperating through written agreements, as approved by the commissioner, with: (1) an agency of the federal government; (2) a state agency; (3) an appropriate agency of a foreign country contiguous to the affected area to the extent allowed by federal law; (4) a person who is engaged in growing, processing, marketing, or handling cotton; (5) a group of persons in this state involved in similar programs to carry out the purposes of this subchapter; (6) an appropriate state agency of another state contiguous to the affected area, to the extent allowed by federal law, the law of the contiguous state, and the law of this state; or (7) an appropriate association of cotton producers or boll weevil foundations in more than one state, for the purpose of facilitating cooperation with and funding assistance to this state to protect against reinfestation with the boll weevil. (b) An agreement entered into under this section may provide for cost sharing and for division of duties and responsibilities under this subchapter and may include other provisions to carry out the purposes of this subchapter. (c) Agreements under Subsections (a)(4)-(5) must be approved in each referendum required under this subchapter other than a referendum to discontinue an eradication program. The agreements must be approved by the same margin as required in the retention referendum.