AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

The celebration of Arbor Day is intended to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Currently, Arbor Day is observed in Texas on the last Friday in April, which is the day on which Arbor Day is observed nationally. However, sources claim that tree roots grow best whenever the temperature is roughly above 40 degrees and that it is beneficial to plant trees in early winter so that the trees have optimal time to lay their roots and gain the strength needed to flourish in the summer. H.B. 419 seeks to encourage the planting of trees in early winter by recognizing the first Friday in November of each year as Texas Arbor Day.

 

H.B. 419 amends current law relating to designating the first Friday in November as Texas Arbor Day.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 662, Government Code, by adding Section 662.056, as follows:

 

Sec. 662.056.  TEXAS ARBOR DAY.  (a) Provides that the first Friday in November of each year is Texas Arbor Day to encourage the planting and cultivation of forest, shade, and ornamental trees throughout the state.

 

(b)  Requires that Texas Arbor Day be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2013.