MS HB839

Prohibits cultivation of potentially invasive nonnative plant species in plantings exceeding one acre without a special permit from the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, with exemptions for agriculture and forestry plantings as determined by the department.

Requires permit applications to include the plant name and legal description of lands under cultivation with estimated cost of removal and destruction.

Mandates a surety bond in an amount determined by the department to secure payment of all removal and destruction costs before permit issuance.

Grants the Department of Agriculture and Commerce authority to inspect operations, review records, collect plant samples, and order removal and destruction of nonnative species under emergency procedures if necessary.

Permits are valid for one year and must be renewed for continued cultivation; a separate permit is required for each nonnative plant species cultivated.

Section sunsets and repeals on July 1, 2016, with the act taking effect July 1, 2015.