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HB 7071

AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- PROTECTION OF TREES AND PLANTS GENERALLY -- RHODE ISLAND INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Bennett and 9 co-sponsors

HB 7071 bans importing, possessing, or selling non-native invasive terrestrial and freshwater aquatic plants in Rhode Island, starting after rules take effect.

06/19/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 7071

Bill Summary: HB 7071 (Rhode Island, 2026) – Invasive Plant Management Act

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a state-wide framework to prevent the importation, possession, and spread of non-native (exotic) invasive plants, with a focus on terrestrial and freshwater aquatic species.
  • Aims to protect ecosystems, agriculture, forestry, and natural resources by restricting the introduction of invasive plants.

Key provisions

  • Terrestrial invasive plants prohibition (new § 2-15-5.1)

    • Prohibits any person from importing, transporting, dispersing, distributing, introducing, selling, or purchasing in Rhode Island any species of non-native invasive plants, as defined by the state director.
    • The director will promulgate rules and regulations to govern the prohibition and its applicability.
    • The prohibition becomes effective only after the implementing rules/regulations take effect.
    • Violations may result in a fine of up to $500.
    • The director must maintain a public listing of all prohibited terrestrial plants.

  • Freshwater invasive aquatic plants prohibition (amendment to § 20-1-26)

    • Prohibits importation, transport, dispersion, distribution, introduction, sale, purchase, or possession of non-native freshwater invasive aquatic plants, as defined by the director.
    • The director will promulgate implementing rules/regulations.
    • The prohibition and enforcement become effective only after the rules take effect.
    • Violations may result in a fine of up to $500.
    • The director must maintain a listing of prohibited aquatic plants, and coordinate with the terrestrial list described in § 2-15-5.1.

  • General provisions on listings

    • The director will maintain comprehensive listings of prohibited plants (both terrestrial and aquatic) for enforcement and public awareness.

  • Effective date

    • The act takes effect on January 1, 2027.

Affected entities and stakeholders

  • Individuals and businesses in Rhode Island involved in gardening, landscaping, horticulture, agriculture, forestry, plant sales, and related industries.
  • Garden centers, nurseries, landscapers, farmers, and marina/boat-related retailers may be impacted due to import, sale, or possession restrictions.
  • Environmental regulation officials and the state Department responsible for natural resources (director) tasked with defining “invasive” and implementing rules, plus maintaining prohibited plant lists.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Rulemaking process: The prohibitions depend on the director’s promulgation of rules and regulations to define “non-native invasive plants” and to set procedures for applicability and enforcement.
  • Effective enforcement: The prohibitions and enforcement begin only after the relevant rules take effect.
  • Status and oversight: The bill assigns ongoing responsibilities to the director for maintaining the listed species and ensuring compliance.
  • Legislative history (highlights): Introduced January 14, 2026; referred to House Environment and Natural Resources; recommended to be held for further study (Jan 2026); scheduled for consideration in May 2026 with a proposed substitute.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Creates a formal mechanism to prevent the spread of invasive plants in Rhode Island, potentially reducing ecological and agricultural harm from invasive species.
  • Introduces regulatory compliance costs for businesses involved in horticulture, sale, distribution, and possession of plant species.
  • Relies on department-defined lists and future rulemaking; interested parties may want clarity on lists, exemptions, and permit processes once rules are issued.
  • The $500 fine provides a clear enforcement threshold but exact penalties may depend on the final regulations and any accompanying enforcement guidelines.

Bottom line

HB 7071 seeks to curb the introduction and spread of non-native invasive plants in Rhode Island by prohibiting import, possession, and sale of terrestrial and freshwater aquatic invasive species, with implementation contingent on forthcoming regulatory rules and a January 1, 2027, start date for enforcement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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