BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3479

By: Morgan

Agriculture & Livestock

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current law requires the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) to develop and implement a program to eradicate Carrizo cane along the Rio Grande River due to its invasiveness and impact on border security priorities. According to TSSWCB, the 84th Texas Legislature directed TSSWCB, through S.B. 1734, to develop and implement the program and to develop a comprehensive environmental management system. The bill author has informed the committee that, in order to facilitate such a comprehensive plan, additional noxious vegetation that impedes border security along the Rio Grande River must also be eradicated. H.B. 3479 seeks to address this issue by providing for the eradication of additional noxious vegetation by TSSWCB.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 3479 amends the Agriculture Code to replace the requirement for the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) to develop and implement a program to eradicate Carrizo cane along the Rio Grande River with a requirement for TSSWCB to develop and implement the Rio Grande vegetative management program to manage Carrizo cane and other noxious vegetation that impedes border security along the river.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.