SB3237 Summary

• Requires Department of Agriculture to designate specific pests (coconut rhinoceros beetle, coqui frog, little fire ant, two-lined spittlebug) for control/eradication and update pest designations biannually; authorizes counties to implement programs if the Department fails to do so.

• Establishes plant nursery licensing program requiring persons selling nursery stock to obtain licenses, with inspections to ensure freedom from high-priority pests and effective control of low-priority pests; includes full, temporary, and small seller license categories.

• Prohibits importation of materials infested with pests or that are pests unless under permit or compliance agreement; restricts firewood imports to heat-treated or certified sources with clear labeling requirements.

• Modernizes noxious weed designation procedures by transferring authority from Department to Board of Agriculture, establishing standardized application and public comment processes with 3-month review periods.

• Clarifies that counties may enter private property (with notice) to conduct pest control/eradication programs; establishes civil penalties for violations and requires persons to maintain noxious weed control on leased state lands.