Committee adds poison hemlock, kudzu to noxious weed list and removes $1,000 fine

Representative Paskowski presented a committee substitute for HB 3,405 and the committee adopted the PCS as the working draft. The sponsor said the measure "adds poison hemlock to the noxious weed list ... and takes out the $1,000 fine."

Representative Rowe asked whether the Department of Transportation must consult with the State Board of Agriculture before removing listed species from rights‑of‑way. The question focused on how state agencies and the board will coordinate eradication and rulemaking; the chair and sponsor said agencies can coordinate and that the bill's rulemaking language contemplates the State Board of Agriculture defining species and rules. Representative Branch raised whether the bill applies to certain public lands and the chair said the bill is not explicit and may require further review.

After discussion the committee proceeded to a vote; staff recorded 7 yeas, 0 nays and the chair declared HB 3,405 passed. The committee did not identify new funding for DOT or new enforcement mechanisms during the hearing; members indicated coordination between agencies and the State Board of Agriculture will drive implementation details.