Bill > HB3405

This bill amends existing Oklahoma law to officially designate poison hemlock and kudzu as noxious weeds, alongside musk thistle, Scotch thistle, and Canada thistle, which are invasive and harmful plants. The legislation mandates the eradication of these newly added weeds by landowners, public entities responsible for rights-of-way, and other relevant parties, emphasizing that these plants are considered a public nuisance. Importantly, the bill removes a previous provision that allowed for fines of up to $1,000 per day for landowners who failed to control or eradicate the previously listed thistles, meaning there will no longer be a monetary penalty for non-compliance with the eradication requirements for these specific weeds. The State Board of Agriculture is tasked with developing rules for infestation control, including poison hemlock and kudzu in their weed seed regulations, conducting annual surveys of infestations, and informing the public about their duty to eradicate these plants and the potential for legal action if they fail to do so. The bill also clarifies that extension agents or the Department of Agriculture will assess infestations and recommend appropriate eradication methods. This act is set to take effect on November 1, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb3405&Session=2600