S.B. No. 240 Summary

• Establishes a shade and fruit tree program in the Department of Education beginning January 1, 2024, to increase tree canopy on school campuses and reduce heat from climate change effects.

• Program authorizes utilizing existing and establishing new agriculture and natural resource programs in schools to educate students and propagate native shade trees and fruit trees for planting across all department schools.

• Authorizes the program to support schools with infrastructure and supplies to establish tree nurseries, oversee tree variety selection appropriate to each school's climate, and encourage student participation in tree care.

• Appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 for program administration and to establish and hire one full-time permanent arborist position to manage the tree inventory statewide.

• Act takes effect July 1, 2023, with the shade and fruit tree program provisions taking effect January 1, 2024.