Bill > HB1707

This bill establishes a new review process for the state noxious weed control board before it can list agricultural crops as noxious weeds. The legislation recognizes the current economic challenges faced by agricultural producers and aims to provide them with more input into the weed listing process. Specifically, the bill requires that before listing an agricultural crop as a noxious weed, the board must first receive recommendations from a work group convened by the Department of Agriculture. This work group must include at least affected agricultural producers and one member of the noxious weed control board. The bill also updates existing guidelines for the noxious weed list, requiring the board to consider additional scientific data about a plant's invasive qualities and potential economic benefits before taking action. The legislature intends this approach to ensure more comprehensive and collaborative decision-making about which plants might be designated as noxious weeds, with a particular focus on protecting agricultural interests and providing a fair review process for potential weed designations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1707&Year=2025&Initiative=false