SB225ENROLLED
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SB225
SGLW878-2
By Senators Gudger, Weaver
RFD: Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development
First Read: 19-Mar-24
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First Read: 19-Mar-24
Enrolled, An Act,
Relating to state symbols; to designate Little Bluestem
as the official state native grass.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. (a) The Legislature hereby finds and
declares all of the following:
(1) Schizachyrium scoparium, commonly known as Little
Bluestem, is a warm-season grass native to lower Canada and
all of the United States except Nevada and Washington.
(2) Little Bluestem fosters healthier Alabama
ecosystems by maintaining ecological balance and creating and
enhancing habitats that support environmental heterogeneity.
(3) Little Bluestem is vital to the overall resilience
of Alabama ecosystems by combating Alabama's challenges
regarding drought conditions and soil erosion.
(4) Little Bluestem contributes to the overall richness
of Alabama's wildlife. In addition to the structure of Little
Bluestem offering cover and nesting sites for birds, insects,
and small mammals, the seeds of Little Bluestem serve as a
food source for various organisms.
(5) Little Bluestem's distinctive blue-green foliage
and reddish-brown seed heads offer unique aesthetic benefits
for the residents and visitors of Alabama by adding to the
inherent beauty of Alabama's landscapes and natural areas.
(6) The planting of Little Bluestem aligns with
existing conservation and ecological restoration initiatives
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existing conservation and ecological restoration initiatives
in Alabama. Little Bluestem's inclusion in restoration
projects aids in the rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems,
particularly in areas impacted by agriculture, urbanization,
and other land-use changes.
(b) Little Bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium, is hereby
declared to be the official State Native Grass of Alabama.
Section 2. This act shall become effective on October
1, 2024.
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1, 2024.
________________________________________________
President and Presiding Officer of the Senate
________________________________________________
Speaker of the House of Representatives
SB225
Senate 09-Apr-24
I hereby certify that the within Act originated in and passed
the Senate.
Patrick Harris,
Secretary.
House of Representatives
Passed: 02-May-24
By: Senator Gudger
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