Bill No.: HB0015                     Drafter: MRW

LSO No.:   11LSO-0040                 Effective Date:  7/1/2011

Enrolled Act No.:    HEA0016

Chapter No.:         37

Prime Sponsor:       Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Interim Committee

Catch Title:         Weed and pest control.

Subject:              Modifies the Weed and Pest Control Act. 

Summary/Major Elements:

· Amends definitions for the Weed and Pest Control Act.

· Expands the definition of “control" under the Act from "limiting" weed and pest infestation to now include prevention, mitigation, identification, multiple integrated management practices, regulation and other actions. 

· Expands the definitions for “designated noxious weed” and “pest" to include any weed or pest that is detrimental to the general health or welfare of the state based on listed criteria. 

· Creates a process for emergency declaration of a weed or pest to allow for immediate control either statewide or in a county until formal action by the council and board. 

· Increases the amount of the surety bond required by the treasurers of the boards.

· Expands the duties and powers of the district board to include the ability to buy and sell property necessary to carry out district programs and allows cost sharing by the board with landowners for pesticides and other integrated management practices for the control of noxious weeds and pests.

· Eliminates the provision allowing inspectors certified as of February 10, 1973 to automatically be deemed certified district supervisors without further action by the board. 

· Increases the amount associated with violation of the act from one-hundred dollars ($100.00) to seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750.00).

· Requires city or town to annually report to the district board on designated and declared weed and pest work within the city or town.