HB 1728 Summary

• Creates the "Salt Cedar Eradication Act" to control and eradicate invasive Salt Cedar species (genus Tamarix) in Oklahoma counties within the Upper North Fork of the Red River Basin.

• Establishes a program administered by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission in collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to conduct surveys, implement eradication strategies (mechanical removal, chemical treatments, biological controls), and provide technical and financial assistance to eligible private, tribal, and public landowners.

• Creates the Salt Cedar Eradication Revolving Fund in the State Treasury to receive and expend appropriations, federal grants, municipal and private contributions, and other designated funds for salt cedar removal and eradication efforts.

• Requires the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to submit annual reports to the Governor, legislative leadership, and appropriation committee chairs detailing eradication progress, expenditures, funding needs, and management recommendations.

• Becomes effective July 1, 2025, with an emergency declaration allowing immediate effect upon passage and approval.