The bill amends the General Laws of Rhode Island to establish prohibitions on the importation, disbursement, distribution, introduction, and sale of non-native (exotic) terrestrial invasive plants. It introduces a new section, 2-15-5.1, which prohibits any person from engaging in these activities with terrestrial invasive plants, as defined by the director. The director is tasked with promulgating rules and regulations to govern the prohibition and its applicability, which will not take effect until those regulations are in place. Violations of this section can result in a fine of up to $500. Additionally, the director is required to maintain a listing of all prohibited terrestrial plants.

The bill also amends section 20-1-26 to include similar prohibitions for freshwater invasive aquatic plants, which cannot be imported, distributed, or possessed within the state. Violations of this section are also subject to a fine of up to $500, and the director will maintain a list of prohibited aquatic plants. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
2352: 20-1-26
2352  SUB A: 20-1-26