AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- PROTECTION OF TREES AND PLANTS GENERALLY -- RHODE ISLAND INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT ACT

This bill establishes the Rhode Island Invasive Plant Management Act to ban the importation, sale, and distribution of non-native terrestrial and freshwater invasive plants within the state. The law requires the state director to create a specific list of prohibited species and issue detailed rules before the ban takes effect on January 1, 2027. Individuals who violate these restrictions by importing or selling these plants could face a fine of up to $500. The legislation aims to protect local ecosystems by preventing the introduction of foreign plant species that could disrupt native environments.