2023 -- H 6397

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LC002604

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- PROTECTION OF TREES AND

PLANTS GENERALLY

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Fogarty, McEntee, Tanzi, Carson, Serpa, Bennett,
Spears, Speakman, Donovan, and McGaw

     Date Introduced: May 12, 2023

     Referred To: House Environment and Natural Resources

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 2-15 of the General Laws entitled "Protection of Trees and Plants

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Generally" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     2-15-5.1. Non-native and invasive aquatic plant management and removal.

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     (a) The department of environmental management (DEM) shall manage freshwater non-

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native and invasive aquatic plants through implementing aerial spraying, removal and other

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methods, including assisting municipalities, to inhibit the growth and spread of non-native and

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invasive aquatic plants and other invasive species in, along or near our freshwater water ways, lakes

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and ponds.

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     (b) No damages shall be awarded to the owner for the loss or destruction of non-native or

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invasive aquatic plants, or reimbursement made for expenses incurred incident to the application

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of the prescribed preventive or remedial measures due to the fact that non-native or invasive aquatic

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plants are a public menace.

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     (c) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as preventing financial assistance to owners

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where that financial assistance is provided for under specific legislation other than this title.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC002604

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- PROTECTION OF TREES AND

PLANTS GENERALLY

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     This act would allow the department of environmental management to remove freshwater

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non-native and invasive aquatic plants and assist municipalities in preventing the growth and spread

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of these and other invasive species in the freshwater lakes and ponds. No damages are awarded to

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the owner for the loss or destruction of non-native or invasive aquatic plants.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC002604

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