NOXIOUS WEEDS

Senate Bill 1464

Sponsor:  Sen. Mike Nofs

House Committee:  Intergovernmental and Regional Affairs

Senate Committee:  Local, Urban, and State Affairs

Complete to 12-1-10

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 1464 AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE 12-1-10

 

The bill would amend Public Act 359 of 1941, a law that governs the control of noxious weeds, to include giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) among the weeds that may be considered noxious.  In addition to extending the definition of "noxious weed" to include giant hogweed, the bill would correct the spelling of the Latin names of certain other noxious weeds; and add the governing bodies of townships to those of counties, cities, and villages that can already declare noxious weeds as a common nuisance.

Currently, "noxious weeds" include Canada thistle, dodders, mustards, wild carrot, bindweed, perennial sowthistle, hoary alyssum, ragweed, poison ivy, poison sumac, and any other plant that the governing body of any county, city, or village governing body regards as a common nuisance.

MCL 247.62

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on state or local government.

CHANGES MADE BY HOUSE COMMITTEE:

The members of the House Committee on Intergovernmental and Regional Affairs passed the Senate-passed version of Senate Bill 1464 without amendments.

POSITIONS:

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is neutral on the bill.  (12-1-10)

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Jim Stansell

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.