This bill amends the Noxious Weed Control Act by requiring the Director of Agriculture to administer a grant program aimed at assisting local control authorities and other weed management entities in managing noxious weeds. The bill specifies that the director "shall" administer the grant program, replacing the previous language that allowed for discretion ("may"). It also establishes a framework for grant applications, outlining eligible purposes such as conducting research, demonstrating innovative control methods, and responding to invasive plant infestations. The director is tasked with prioritizing applications based on various criteria, including the seriousness of the weed problem and the project's potential to leverage additional funding.

Additionally, the bill expresses the Legislature's intent to appropriate six million dollars annually, starting in the fiscal year 2025-26, for vegetation management within the banks or flood plains of natural streams, an increase from the previously intended three million dollars. The funds are designated for activities that improve streamflow conveyance and will be allocated to specific entities, with priority given to those in river basins subject to interstate compacts. The bill also emphasizes the ongoing responsibilities of control authorities and landowners in managing noxious weeds and allows the Department of Agriculture to adopt necessary regulations to implement these changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2-958.02