S-2803.1  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 6189

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      57th Legislature 2001 First Special Session

By Senators Fairley and Deccio

Read first time 05/21/2001.  Referred to Committee on Transportation.

Directing roadside removal of Scotch broom.

    AN ACT Relating to the removal of Scotch broom from state highway roadsides; adding a new section to chapter 47.40 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The purpose of this act is to place a priority on the removal of Cytisus scoparius, more commonly known as Scotch broom, from Washington state's roadsides.  The legislature recognizes that Scotch broom is a noxious weed that poses a threat to public health and safety along our state's roadsides.  The legislature recognizes that many of the state's citizens are highly allergic to Scotch broom and by having it along the roadside where people travel causes serious health problems and traffic hazards from the effects of allergic reaction.  The legislature recognizes that Scotch broom spreads quickly and is very difficult to control, and therefore the removal and the prevention of further growth should be first priority when considering any roadside construction or maintenance project.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 47.40 RCW to read as follows:

    The first priority of any roadside maintenance or construction project on state highway property must be the removal, control, or prevention of future growth of Cytisus scoparius, more commonly known as Scotch broom.

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