HB 1423-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Finds that the presence of invasive knotweed on public and private land threatens wildlife habitat, agricultural production, and environmental quality statewide.

Finds that invasive knotweed found on private lands is a source of renewed infestation on public lands.

Finds that it is in the public interest to protect public resources by making concerted efforts to control or contain invasive knotweed on both public and private lands statewide.

Provides that subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the state department of agriculture, in consultation with the state noxious weed control board, shall establish a program for the control or containment of invasive knotweed statewide.

Appropriates the sum of five hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006, from the general fund to the department of agriculture for the purposes of this act.

Appropriates the sum of five hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the general fund to the department of agriculture for the purposes of this act.

Provides that the department of agriculture may use no more than five percent of the appropriated funds for agency administrative costs.

Declares an intent that this appropriation represents an ongoing commitment to a program to control and contain invasive knotweed and that appropriations for it will continue in the future.

Provides that, within the dollars available for administration as specified in this act, by December 1, 2006, the department of agriculture shall prepare and submit a report to the legislature documenting progress made and future recommendations for containing and controlling invasive knotweed under this program.