HCS HB 244 -- NOXIOUS WEEDS

SPONSOR:  Quinn, 7 (Wells)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Agriculture Policy by a vote of 10 to 0.

This substitute adds spotted knapweed and sericea lespedeza to
the definition of "noxious weed" and specifies that the noxious
weed control laws are applicable to both varieties of weeds.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2008, FY 2009, and
FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that spotted knapweed overtakes
native plant species reducing forage production for livestock and
wildlife.  Infestation may degrade soil and water resources by
increasing erosion, surface runoff, and stream sedimentation.
Sericea lespedeza is found in most Missouri counties especially
along roads from which it infests adjacent fields, is drought
resistant, invades grasslands, and is unpalatable compared to
native species due to tannins present in its tissue.  Several
counties in Kansas have designated it as a noxious weed.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Wells; Missouri
Cattlemen's Association; Thomas Hansen, University of Missouri
Extension Service; Missouri Farm Bureau; and Department of
Conservation.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:18 am