Leader Chippendale: 2026 H7071 Sub A - Highlights State Role in Spreading Invasive Plants (6226)

House Minority Leader Michael W. Chippendale (R District 40 - Coventry, Foster, Glocester) addresses the floor regarding 2026 H 7071 SUB A: The RI Invasive Plant Management Act.

While acknowledging the devastating impact of invasive species like Japanese Knotweed and supporting the bill's intent, Rep. Chippendale raises critical concerns about state accountability. He argues that the Department of Transportation (DOT) and its state contractors frequently spread Knotweed through contaminated soil used in public infrastructure projects. Rep. Chippendale questions why the current legislation heavily regulates and penalizes small business landscapers, nurseries, and homeowners, while seemingly exempting the state—which he identifies as the largest offender of invasive species transmission—from the same stringent rules.

House Bill No. 7071 SUB A
BY Boylan, Bennett, Kislak, Santucci, McGaw, Carson, Speakman, Spears, Donovan, Cortvriend
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- PROTECTION OF TREES AND PLANTS GENERALLY -- RHODE ISLAND INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT ACT (Prohibits the importation, disbursement, distribution, or sale, of any species of non-native (exotic) terrestrial invasive plants.)
{LC3172/A/1}
» http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7071A.pdf

House Minority Leader Michael W. Chippendale
» https://www.rihousegop.org/leaderchippendale.html

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