FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1169

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background:

A noxious weed is a plant that, when established, is highly destructive, competitive, or difficult to control. The state maintains an active list of noxious weeds present in Washington and categorizes the plants on the list into one of three categories. These categories are designated as Class A, Class B, and Class C.

Class A weeds are those noxious weeds that are not native to Washington and are of limited distribution or are unrecorded in Washington yet could cause a serious threat if established. Class B weeds are non-native plants that are of limited distribution in a region of the state but could cause a serious threat in that region. Class C weeds are all other noxious weeds.

Noxious weeds are indentified and listed by the State Noxious Weed Control Board (Board). The Board is required to adopt a statewide noxious weed list at least once a year following a public hearing. Once a state noxious weed list is adopted, county noxious weed control boards must select weeds identified on the state list for inclusion on the local noxious weed list for that county. Each county is empowered to have a noxious weed control board within its jurisdiction.

Once a weed is included on a county's weed list, certain responsibilities apply to landowners within that county. Landowners are responsible for eradicating all Class A weeds as well as controlling the spread of Class B and Class C weeds listed on the county list. The enforcement of violations of these duties is the responsibility of the county weed boards.

Summary:

The Board is directed to adopt rules regarding how the Board will select species for listing on the noxious weed list. Included in these rules must be criteria for the listing of species that have been previously rejected for listing by the Board. The listing must include a requirement that additional scientific data be presented to the Board regarding the invasive or noxious qualities of the plant in question, along with information about the plant's economic benefits.

County noxious weed control boards are still permitted to conduct education, outreach, or other assistance regarding plant species not included, or eligible for inclusion, on the state noxious weed list if the county determines that a plant species causes a localized risk or concern.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	90	7
Senate	45	3