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HB 88

Highway rights-of-way; invasive species.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amy Laufer and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia bill authorizes invasive species control and removal within highway rights-of-way to improve road safety and reduce ecosystem damage.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 63 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Bill Summary · HB 88

Legislative bill overview

HB 88 authorizes Virginia to manage invasive species within highway rights-of-way through control and removal measures. The bill addresses the ecological and infrastructure problems caused by invasive vegetation encroaching on state roadways and their adjoining lands.

Why is this important

Invasive species degrade road safety, damage infrastructure, increase maintenance costs, and harm native ecosystems. Clarifying state authority to actively manage these species on highway corridors could improve both public safety and environmental outcomes across Virginia's extensive road network.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of authority: Whether "rights-of-way" includes only the immediate roadbed or extends to adjacent private property, potentially raising property rights concerns
  • Treatment methods: Disagreement over acceptable control methods (herbicides, mechanical removal, biocontrols) and their environmental trade-offs
  • Funding and implementation: Questions about appropriations, which agency bears costs, and whether municipalities share responsibility for local roads

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

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