Bill > SB383

This bill modifies existing law regarding invasive plant species by allowing the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services to impose civil penalties instead of criminal charges for certain violations. Specifically, tradespeople, meaning individuals involved in proposing or installing plants, who fail to provide written notification to property owners when they are proposing to install plants that are on the Department of Conservation and Recreation's list of invasive plant species will now face civil penalties. These penalties are structured as follows: a maximum of $250 for a first violation, $500 for a second violation, and $1,000 for each subsequent violation. Previously, failing to provide this written notice was a Class 1 misdemeanor, a more serious criminal offense. The funds collected from these civil penalties will be deposited into the Plant Pollination Fund.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB383