H.B. No. 3479 amends Section 201.0225 of the Agriculture Code to establish the "Rio Grande vegetative management program." The bill replaces the previous focus on "Carrizo cane eradication" with a broader mandate to manage not only Carrizo cane but also other noxious vegetation that obstructs border security along the Rio Grande River. This change reflects a shift in strategy to address various types of vegetation that may pose challenges to border security, rather than concentrating solely on Carrizo cane.

The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the Texas Legislature. If it does not achieve this majority, the bill will take effect on September 1, 2025. The legislation has already passed both the House and Senate with significant support, indicating a strong legislative commitment to enhancing border security through effective vegetative management.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Agriculture Code 201.0225 (Agriculture Code 201)
House Committee Report: Agriculture Code 201.0225 (Agriculture Code 201)
Engrossed: Agriculture Code 201.0225 (Agriculture Code 201)
Senate Committee Report: Agriculture Code 201.0225 (Agriculture Code 201)
Enrolled: Agriculture Code 201.0225 (Agriculture Code 201)