HB 473, HCA 1 -- NOXIOUS WEEDS

CO-SPONSORS:  Robirds, Kreider, Myers

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Agriculture by a vote of 23 to 0.

This bill requires persons, corporations, state commissions,
state agencies, county commissions, township boards, school
boards, drainage boards, railroad companies, governing bodies of
incorporated cities, other transportation companies, and persons
supervising state-owned lands to control the spread of and
eradicate by methods approved by the Department of Agriculture
cut-leaved teasel (Dipsacus laciniatus), common teasel (Dipsacus
fullonum), and kudzu vine (Pueraria lobata), which are
designated as noxious and dangerous weeds to agriculture.

HCA 1 -- Requires entities to control the spread of the kudzu
vine by methods recommended by the Department of Conservation in
conjunction with the University of Missouri Extension Service.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the kudzu vine can grow up to a
foot a day in the early summer and covers anything in its path.
The vine pulls down fences and power poles, kills trees,
collapses buildings, and crowds out all other vegetation.  The
vine has flourished in the southern part of the United States
and has gained a foothold in several counties in Missouri.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Robirds and Myers.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that the kudzu vine is
nearly impossible to eradicate with current practices and
required eradication could place entities in breach of Missouri
law.

Testifying against the bill was Burlington Northern/Santa Fe
Railroad Company.

Roland Tackett, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:44 am