House Bill 1128 would change North Carolina’s statutory Arbor Week from the week in March containing March 15 to the week in November containing November 15. The bill is framed as an Arbor Week reform measure and keeps the annual observance in state law, but shifts its timing from spring to fall.
In addition to changing the date, the bill appropriates $10,000 in nonrecurring General Fund money to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Those funds are intended to produce education and training materials for Arbor Day celebrations during Arbor Week. The act would take effect when it becomes law.
The bill amends G.S. 103-6, which governs Arbor Week, by revising the statutory month from March to November. It also creates a one-time appropriation from the General Fund to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for educational and training materials related to Arbor Week celebrations. The practical effect is limited to the timing of the state observance and a small state expenditure supporting related outreach and programming.
No committee transcript or recorded vote is available, so there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the provided materials. Based on the text alone, the bill appears routine and noncontroversial, with a straightforward administrative change and a modest appropriation. The available legislative history shows only referral to Appropriations and then Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.
The only apparent point of contention is the policy choice to move Arbor Week from March to November, which could affect how schools, local governments, and conservation groups schedule tree-planting and environmental education activities. A secondary issue is the $10,000 appropriation, though the amount is small and targeted. No specific opponents or supporters are identified in the provided record, and no recorded committee discussion is available.