BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 419

By: Farias

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

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.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 419 amends the Government Code to designate the first Friday in November of each year as Texas Arbor Day to encourage the planting and cultivation of forest, shade, and ornamental trees throughout Texas. The bill requires Texas Arbor Day to be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2013.