BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2568
	By: Hayes et al. (LaMantia)
	Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
	5/11/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Carrizo cane, a nonnative invasive plant species, has long been a problem along the Rio Grande. Its large, dense strands occupy much of the river's banks and floodplains, thwarting law enforcement's efforts along the border, concealing criminal activity and illegal immigration into the country, and consuming massive amounts of water from the river, which is the primary source of drinking and irrigation water for Texas border communities. In order to help meet the governor's border security priorities, the 84th Legislature directed the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) to develop and implement a carrizo cane eradication program to address this problem. In order to assist TSSWCB in administering the program, H.B. 2568 requires TSSWCB to conduct a study of the extent of the growth of carrizo cane along the river and the cost of eradicating the cane.

H.B. 2568 amends current law relating to a study of carrizo cane on the international border of this state.

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. DEFINITIONS. Defines "board," "carrizo cane," and "program."

SECTION 2. CARRIZO CANE STUDY.� (a) Requires the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) to conduct a study of the extent of the growth of carrizo cane along the Rio Grande to assist TSSWCB in administering the program.

(b) Requires TSSWCB, in conducting the study, to determine:

(1)  the acreage of carrizo cane remaining along the Rio Grande; and

(2)  the program's cost of eradicating the carrizo cane identified in the study.

SECTION 3. REPORT. Requires TSSWCB, not later than January 1, 2025, to report the results of the study conducted under this Act and any recommendations to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the standing committees of the senate and the house of representatives that have jurisdiction over natural resources.

SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. Provides that this Act expires February 1, 2025.

SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. Effective date: September 1, 2023.