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HB 3054

AN ACT relating to the types of trees a governmental entity is authorized

House Bill
Filed

Filed

Bill introduced by legislator

Committee

Hearing

Passed Cmte

Calendar

Passed

Sent

Enrolled

Governor

Signed

89th Regular Session

Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended

Awaiting Committee Assignment

Bill filed, pending referral to House committee

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What This Bill Does

Requires governmental entities in Texas to plant only native trees on public property, with limited exceptions. Entities can only use non-native trees if they have historical significance (approved by a governing board resolution) or serve educational/scientific purposes. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will develop and maintain a comprehensive list of native tree species, including details about their ecological importance and growth patterns, to guide tree planting decisions for public lands.

Subject Areas

Bill Text

relating to the types of trees a governmental entity is authorized
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Subtitle E, Title 10, Government Code, is
amended by adding Chapter 2207 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 2207.  PLANTING OF TREES ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
Sec. 2207.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Governmental entity" has the meaning assigned by
(2)  "Native tree" means a species of tree that is indigenous
(3)  "Service" means the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Sec. 2207.002.  NATIVE TREES REQUIRED ON PUBLIC PROPERTY.
(a)  Except as otherwise provided by Section 443.016 and subject to
Section 2155.444(d), a governmental entity and any contractor or
subcontractor of the governmental entity may not plant a species of
tree other than a native tree on public property.
Sec. 2207.003.  EXCEPTIONS.  (a)  Except as otherwise
provided by Section 443.016 and subject to Section 2155.444(d), a
governmental entity may authorize the use of a species of tree that
is not on the list of native trees developed by service under
(1)  the use of a species of nonindigenous tree has a
genuine historical significance in relation to the governmental
entity and the governing board of the entity adopts a resolution
authorizing the planting of a species of nonindigenous tree and
explaining the historical significance of the species of
nonindigenous tree to the governmental entity; or
(2)  the use of a species of nonindigenous tree by the
governmental entity is primarily for educational, scientific, or
Sec. 2207.004.  LIST OF NATIVE TREES.  (a)  The service shall
develop and maintain a list identifying native tree species found
(b)  The list shall include a description of each species of
native tree, their ecological significance, growth patterns, and
any other information the service deems necessary.  The list shall
be updated periodically to reflect any changes in native tree
populations or scientific understanding.
(c)  In preparing or updating the list, the service may
collaborate with relevant state and federal agencies, as well as
academic institutions, to support the development, distribution,
SECTION 2.  The change in law made by this Act applies only
to a contract for which a governmental entity first advertises or
otherwise solicits bids, proposals, offers, or qualifications or
makes a similar solicitation on or after the effective date of this
Act.  A contract for which a governmental entity first advertises or
otherwise solicits bids, proposals, offers, or qualifications or
makes a similar solicitation before the effective date of this Act
is governed by the law in effect on the date the advertisement or
solicitation is made, and that law is continued in effect for that
SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

Bill History

filed

Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the types of trees a governmental entity is authorized