Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 3 - Regulation of Invasive Plants
Section 9.5-301 - Duties of Secretary

The Secretary, with the advice of the Committee, shall:
        (1)    On or before October 1, 2012, adopt regulations that:
            (i)    Establish a science–based risk assessment protocol for invasive plants that:
                1.    Will serve as a basis for creating a two–tiered regulatory approach for controlling invasive plants in the State; and
                2.    Considers the harm, as determined by the Secretary, that invasive plants cause in the State, including:
                A.    Economic harm;
                B.    Ecological harm;
                C.    Environmental harm; and
                D.    Harm to human health;
            (ii)    Govern administrative orders that the Secretary may issue to enforce this subtitle; and
            (iii)    Establish a procedure for the approval required under § 9.5–302 of this subtitle for activities involving tier 1 invasive plants.
        (2)    On or before October 1, 2013, adopt regulations that:
            (i)    Establish a list of tier 1 plants and tier 2 plants in accordance with the risk assessment protocol adopted under paragraph (1) of this subsection;
            (ii)    Establish a procedure for classification or declassification of an invasive plant as a tier 1 invasive plant or a tier 2 invasive plant;
            (iii)    Phase in the implementation of the requirements of this subtitle with consideration of the economic impact of these requirements on nurseries, landscapers, plant wholesalers, plant retailers, and any other industry;
            (iv)    Establish a procedure for the disposal of tier 1 plants;
            (v)    Designate the format, size, and content of the sign required under § 9.5–302(b)(1) of this subtitle; and
            (vi)    Provide for the distribution of a list of tier 2 invasive plants to licensed nurseries, plant dealers, and plant brokers on an annual basis.

Structure Maryland Statutes