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STATE OF OKLAHOMA
1st Session of the 60th Legislature (2025)
HOUSE BILL 1728 By: Moore
AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to invasive salt cedars; creating the
Salt Cedar Eradication Act; defining terms; creating
certain program; directing the Oklahoma Department of
Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to oversee and
implement the program along with cooperation from
certain state agencies; authorizing the Oklahoma
Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to
utilize certain funds; stating purpose of program;
listing certain duties; providing for penalties for
noncompliance with program; authorizing the
promulgation of rules and procedures; requiring
certain annual report; creating the Salt Cedar
Eradication Revolving Fund; providing for content of
fund; providing for deposits and expenditures;
providing for codification; and declaring an
emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 3-8-201 of Title 27A, unless
there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Salt Cedar
Eradication Act".
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SECTION 2. NEW LAW A new sectio n of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 3-8-202 of Title 27A, unless
there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A. As used in this act:
1. "Eligible Landowners" means private, tribal, and public
landowners in Oklahoma counties within the Upper Red River Basin ;
2. "Eradication" means the removal or substantial reduction of
salt cedar populations to a level where they no longer pose a
significant threat; and
3. "Salt Cedar" means all species within the genus Tamarix
identified as invasive or noxious in Oklahoma .
B. There is hereby created a program to control and eradicate
invasive salt cedar species in Oklahoma counties within the Upper
Red River Basin and is to be administered by the Oklahoma Department
of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF), in collaboration with
the Oklahoma Conservat ion Commission (OCC), Oklahoma Water Resources
Board (OWRB). To accomplish the goals listed in this section, the
Department is authorized to u se the funds available in the Salt
Cedar Eradication Program Revolving Fund established in Section 3 of
this act. The purpose of the program is to manage and eradicate
invasive salt cedar species in Oklahoma counties within the Upper
Red River Basin, to enhance water resources, restore na tive
ecosystems, and protect agricultural productivity .
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C. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and F orestry
(ODAFF), in collaboration with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission
(OCC), Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) shall establish and
oversee the Salt Cedar Eradication Program which shall include:
1. Conducting surveys to identify and map salt ced ar
infestations in Oklahoma counties within the Upper Red River Basin ;
2. Developing and implementing science-based eradication
strategies, including mechanical removal, chemical treatments, and
biological controls;
3. Provide technical and financial assistance to eligibl e
landowners; and
4. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of eradication
efforts.
D. Landowners in identified high -priority areas may be required
to participate in eradication programs or face penalties for
noncompliance.
E. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry,
shall establish guidelines for participation, including cost-sharing
arrangements and reimbursement opportunities.
F. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry
is authorized to promulgate any rules and pr ocedures to effectuate
the provisions of this act , which shall include setting penalties
for landowners for noncompliance .
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G. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry
shall submit an annual report to the Governor, Speaker of the
Oklahoma House of Representatives, to the President Pro Tempore of
the Oklahoma State Senate, and to the chairs of the appropriation
chairs of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma
State Senate outlining the following:
1. Progress of eradication efforts ;
2. Expenditures and funding needs ; and
3. Recommendations for continued salt cedar management.
SECTION 3. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 3-8-203 of Title 27A, unless
there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
There is hereby created in t he State Treasury a revolving fund
for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry
(ODAFF) to be designated the "Salt Cedar Eradication Revolving
Fund". The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal
year limitations, and shall consist of all monies received by the
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry from
appropriations, federal grants or funds, municipal contributions,
private contributions, and any other sources, including interest
earned from the income in the fund, that are designated for deposit
to such fund or designated for duties associated with removal and
eradication of salt cedars in Be ckham and Jackson counties. All
monies accruing to the credit of said fund are hereby appropriated
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and may be budgeted and expended by the Oklahoma Department of
Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to perform the duties imposed on the
Department by law. Expenditures from said fund shall be made upon
warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as
prescribed by law with the Director of the Office of Management and
Enterprise Services for approval and payment.
SECTION 4. This act shall become effective July 1, 2025.
SECTION 5. It being immediately necessary for the preservation
of the public peace, health or safety, an emergency is hereby
declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall t ake effect and
be in full force from and after its passage and approval.
60-1-10389 JL 01/13/25