2023 -- H 6397
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LC002604
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S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
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:
SECTION 1. Chapter 2-15 of the General Laws entitled "Protection of Trees and Plants 1
Generally" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: 2
2-15-5.1. Non-native and invasive aquatic plant management and removal. 3
(a) The department of environmental management (DEM) shall manage freshwater non-4
native and invasive aquatic plants through implementing aerial spraying, removal and other 5
methods, including assisting municipalities, to inhibit the growth and spread of non-native and 6
invasive aquatic plants and other invasive species in, along or near our freshwater water ways, lakes 7
and ponds. 8
(b) No damages shall be awarded to the owner for the loss or destruction of non-native or 9
invasive aquatic plants, or reimbursement made for expenses incurred incident to the application 10
of the prescribed preventive or remedial measures due to the fact that non-native or invasive aquatic 11
plants are a public menace. 12
(c) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as preventing financial assistance to owners 13
where that financial assistance is provided for under specific legislation other than this title. 14
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. 15
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LC002604
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LC002604 - Page 2 of 2
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 1
non-native and invasive aquatic plants and assist municipalities in preventing the growth and spread 2
of these and other invasive species in the freshwater lakes and ponds. No damages are awarded to 3
the owner for the loss or destruction of non-native or invasive aquatic plants. 4
This act would take effect upon passage. 5
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LC002604
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