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HB 1728

Invasive cedar; creating the Salt Cedar Eradication Act; defining terms; creating certain program; rules; report; effective date; emergency.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Dobrinski and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes a state-funded Salt Cedar Eradication Program in the Upper Red River Basin to eradicate salt cedar with OCC-led oversight, cost-sharing, and a revolving fund.

Conference granted, SCs named Murdock, Pederson, Green, Kern, Woods, Hicks
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Bill Summary · HB 1728

Summary of HB 1728 (Salt Cedar Eradication Act) – Oklahoma, 2026 Session

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a formal program to control and eradicate invasive salt cedar (Tamarix) within Oklahoma counties located in the Upper Red River Basin (as amended to include the North Fork of the Red River in some versions).
  • Aims to protect water resources, restore native ecosystems, and supporting agricultural productivity by reducing salt cedar infestations.

Key provisions and changes

  • Created law name: “Salt Cedar Eradication Act.”
  • Definitions:
    • Eligible landowners: private, tribal, and public landowners in the Upper Red River Basin.
    • Eradication: removal or substantial reduction of salt cedar to eliminate significant threats.
    • Salt Cedar: all Tamarix species identified as invasive or noxious in Oklahoma.
  • Program administration:
    • Oversight by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC), in collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB). In later draft language, OCC directs with cooperation from ODAFF and OWRB.
    • Activities include surveying and mapping infestations, developing science-based eradication strategies (mechanical removal, chemical treatments, biological controls), providing technical/financial assistance to eligible landowners, and monitoring/evaluating progress.
  • Participation and enforcement:
    • High-priority landowners may be required to participate; noncompliance penalties may be established.
    • Guidelines for participation, including cost-sharing and reimbursements, to be set by OCC.
    • OCC authorized to promulgate rules and procedures to implement the act.
  • Reporting and oversight:
    • Annual reports to Governor, the Speaker of the House, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and appropriation chairs detailing progress, expenditures, funding needs, and recommendations.
  • Funding mechanism:
    • Creation of the Salt Cedar Eradication Revolving Fund in the State Treasury (continuing fund, not FY-limited).
    • Fund sources: appropriations, federal grants, municipal/private contributions, and other designated monies, plus interest earnings.
    • Expenditures from the fund are appropriated to OCC (and by extension its partners) to carry out program duties; expenditures require warrants and standard state payment processes.
  • Effective date and emergency:
    • Effective July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause declaring immediate necessity for public health and safety, allowing the act to take effect upon passage and approval.

Who would be affected

  • Eligible landowners within the Upper Red River Basin (and potentially the North Fork of the Red River, depending on amendments) would be subject to program participation guidelines and possible penalties for noncompliance in high-priority areas.
  • State agencies: OCC, ODAFF, and OWRB would administer and implement the program and coordinate with each other.
  • Public and private interests tied to water resources, ecosystems, and agriculture in the affected counties.

Procedural/timeline aspects

  • Initial enactment targets July 1, 2025, with emergency status enabling immediate implementation.
  • Annual reporting cycle to state leadership and appropriation committees.
  • Establishment of a revolving fund to support ongoing eradication activities and program operations.

Note: The bill underwent conference committee considerations with amendments seeking to adjust naming (e.g., reference to North Fork amendments) and to align administration with OCC-led oversight. The core framework envisions a revolving fund supported eradication program across the Upper Red River Basin, employing surveys, multi-pronged eradication methods, and cost-sharing with landowners.

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

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