BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 1739
81R25820 By: Howard, Donna (Hegar)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Native plants are plants that have evolved in a particular region over many thousands of years. They have adapted to the climate, geography, and animal populations of that region and provide habitat to and are a source of food for animals. Native vegetation, unlike cultivated, non-native landscaping, does not require the use of lawn maintenance equipment, a major contributor to air pollution. Native vegetation improves water quality by filtering contaminated runoff and reduces soil erosion by stabilizing soils with its deep root systems. The disruption of Texas' native habitats and the replacement of native plants with invasive species can have a devastating impact on Texas' ecosystem. Therefore, educational efforts to improve understanding of native plants are vital to Texas. A number of organizations, such as the Native Plant Society of Texas and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, conduct further research on and the conservation and use of native plants and plant habitats of Texas. In addition, these groups celebrate the beauty and diversity of Texas' native plants.
This bill designates the third full week of October as Texas Native Plant Week to celebrate the native plants of Texas. The bill authorizes Texas Native Plant Week to be observed annually in public school and other places.
H.B. 1739 relates to a recognition week to celebrate Texas native plants.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter E, Chapter 662, Government Code, by adding Section 662.154, as follows:
Sec. 662.154. TEXAS NATIVE PLANT WEEK. Provides that the third full week in October is Texas Native Plant Week to celebrate the native plants of Texas.
(b) Authorizes Texas Native Plant Week to be regularly observed in public schools and other places with programs to appreciate, explore, and study Texas native plants.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2009.