A bill co-sponsored by Rep. Worthen, HB 3198, passed through the House Agriculture Committee on Feb. 21 and was given a suggested emergency tag. The bill summary reads Public lands; Commissioners of Land Office; removing harmful woody species; providing for program funding; effective date; emergency.
According to the text of the bill, 'harmful woody species' means a tree or shrub species that is rapidly encroaching into adjoining lands and is likely to cause harm to the environment or economy. Harmful woody species include, but are not limited to, Juniperus virginiana (eastern red cedar), Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain juniper), Juniperus monosperma (one-seed juniper), Juniperus pinchotii (redberry juniper), Juniperus ashei (ashe juniper), Prosopis glandulosa (honey mesquite) and Tamarix ramosissima (salt cedar).
Designated agencies would be required to identify acreages and recommend an action plan designed to remove or eradicate all harmful woody species on land owned by and leased by the Commissioners of the Land Office.
Worthen represents District 64, which covers a portion of Comanche County. He has authored or co-sponsored nine bills in the current legislative session.