Bill
HJR 84
Designates April as Alabama Native Plant Month to raise awareness and encourage planting native species, removing invasives, and supporting pollinator habitats (non-binding).
Status and sponsor
- Bill number: HJR 84 (House Joint Resolution)
- Sponsor: Representative Faulkner (primary)
- Filed: November 12, 2024
- First read: February 20, 2025
- Adopted by House: February 27, 2025 (voice vote)
- Enrolled / Delivered to Governor: March 18, 2025
- Enacted: March 19, 2025
- Classification: Concurrent resolution (ceremonial)
Purpose and intent
- To designate the month of April as “Alabama Native Plant Month.”
- To encourage public awareness of the ecological, economic, and cultural benefits of Alabama’s native plants and to promote actions that support native flora and associated wildlife (pollinators, birds, butterflies, etc.).
Key provisions
- Official recognition: The legislature recognizes April as Alabama Native Plant Month and urges citizens to observe it alongside National Native Plant Month.
- Encouragement of public actions:
- Removing non-native invasive plants from yards and communities.
- Planting native trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants suited to Alabama’s ecosystems.
- Educating residents about benefits of native plants to wildlife, soil health, and ecosystem sustainability.
- Statements of fact included in the resolution:
- Alabama is home to more than 3,120 native plant species across diverse ecosystems (coastal plains to Appalachian Mountains).
- Examples cited: Southern Magnolia, Flowering Dogwood, Longleaf Pine, American Beautyberry, native Azaleas, Mountain Laurel, Flame Azalea, Bald Cypress, and Pitcher Plants.
- Notes several federally listed rare plants in Alabama, including the Green Pitcher Plant, Alabama Canebrake Pitcher Plant, Alabama Leather Flower, and Gentian Pinkroot.
Who is affected
- The resolution is non‑binding and does not create legal obligations or funding mandates.
- Primary impacts are symbolic and educational:
- Residents, gardeners, landscapers, nurseries, municipalities, schools, conservation organizations, and natural resource agencies may use the designation to promote native-plant initiatives, outreach, and events.
- May indirectly support native-plant sales, pollinator-friendly landscaping, and habitat-restoration efforts.
Procedural and legal effect
- As a concurrent resolution, HJR 84 expresses the Legislature’s sentiment and encourages voluntary actions; it does not change statutes, regulations, or appropriations.
- Passage followed standard legislative committee and floor procedures (referred to Rules committee; reported and adopted in both houses before enrollment).
Potential impacts
- Increased public awareness and community activities during April (planting days, removal of invasives, educational programs).
- Greater support for conservation projects, native-plant propagation, and pollinator habitat restoration, though any resulting programs or funding would require separate legislation or agency action.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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