NOXIOUS WEEDS; MILKWEED H.B. 4857:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
House Bill 4857 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Representative Samantha Steckloff
Senate Committee: Local Government
CONTENT
The bill would amend Public Act 359 of 1941, which governs the control and destruction of noxious weeds, to specify that milkweed (any species of genus Asclepias) could not be considered a noxious weed.
Generally, noxious weeds are plant species that are regarded as nuisances and, according to the State, should be eradicated. The Act requires property owners, and allows local governments, to control and eradicate weeds defined as noxious weeds, such as Canada thistle, poison ivy, or poison sumac.
BRIEF RATIONALE
The bill would support biodiversity by ensuring that local governments could not classify a valuable source of food for many pollinators as a noxious weed. While milkweed is toxic to many animals, it also provides food from its nectar, sap, leaves, and flowers for over 450 species of insect.[1] According to testimony, populations of the Monarch butterfly, which depend on milkweed as a host plant for its reproduction, have declined significantly in recent years. Some people believe that not allowing milkweed to be considered a noxious weed by local governments would help to protect and restore vital pollinators and pollinator habitats.
Legislative Analyst: Alex Krabill
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 2-20-24 Fiscal Analysts: Bruce R. Baker
Bobby Canell
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.