Why 3/5: The bill changes the enforcement mechanism for tradespersons installing invasive plants without notification, impacting how the state addresses the spread of harmful species.
Tradespersons who fail to provide written notification to property owners about installing invasive plant species could face civil penalties ranging from $250 to $1,000 per violation, rather than a Class 1 misdemeanor. This bill aims to discourage the spread of invasive plant species by shifting the enforcement mechanism from criminal charges to civil fines for those involved in their installation.
Cleared committee
Reported from Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (14-Y 0-N)
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Rules suspended
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Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
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Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
Third reading
Read third time
Passed a chamber
Passed Senate (37-Y 0-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB710ER)
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Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB710)
This bill has passed its votes and is headed to the Governor's desk. You still have a say — the Governor's office reads messages before deciding whether to sign.
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Summarized from the official bill text (“Invasive plant species installation; written notification to property owners, civil penalty.”) · Read the actual bill →
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 412 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0412)