SECOND REGULAR SESSION
SENATE BILL NO. 785
92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR GOODE.
Pre-filed December 1, 2003, and ordered printed.
TERRY L. SPIELER, Secretary.
2640S.01I
AN ACT
To amend chapter 252, RSMo, by adding thereto four new sections relating to invasive species management.
Section A. Chapter 252, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto four new sections, to be known as sections 252.400, 252.405, 252.410, and 252.415, to read as follows:
252.400. As used in sections 252.400 to 252.415, the following words and phrases shall mean:
(1) "Invasive species", a species including its seeds, eggs, spores, or other biological material capable of propagating that species, that is not native to the ecosystem and whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health; however, nothing in this definition shall be construed to include those agricultural crops generally recognized by the department of agriculture or the United States Department of Agriculture as suitable to be grown in the state;
(2) "Stakeholders", includes, but is not limited to, state and local government agencies, academic institutions, the scientific community, nongovernmental entities including environmental, agricultural and conservation organizations, trade groups, commercial interests, and private landowners.
252.405. 1. A "Invasive Species Council" is hereby established whose members shall include the directors of the departments of agriculture, conservation, health and senior services, natural resources, and transportation. The council shall be chaired by the directors of the departments of agriculture, conservation, health and senior services, natural resources, and transportation on an annual rotating basis, beginning with the director of the department of conservation and the order of succeeding chairs shall be selected by the council. The council may invite additional state agency representatives to be members and may prescribe special procedures for their participation. The departments of agriculture, conservation, health and senior services, natural resources, and transportation shall provide the temporary staffing and administrative support for the council, and if the council determines that dedicated staff are needed, the council may request appropriations for dedicated staff for the council.
2. The council shall establish an advisory committee to provide information and advice for consideration by the council. The committee shall meet with stakeholders and other interested parties for the purpose of collecting information and advising the council. The advisory committee shall work in cooperation with stakeholders and interested organizations. The department of conservation shall provide the administrative support for the advisory committee.
252.410. The invasive species council shall provide information and facilitate cooperation among national, state, and local entities regarding invasive species and shall:
(1) Advise state agencies regarding the prevention and control of invasive species;
(2) Facilitate development of a coordinated network among state agencies to document, evaluate, and monitor impacts from invasive species on the economy, the environment, and human health;
(3) Share information on a local, state, and national level and shall facilitate access to and the exchange of information concerning invasive species, including, but not limited to: information on distribution and levels of invasive species; characteristics of such invasive species; economic, environmental, and human health impacts; management techniques; and programs for management, research, and public education; and
(4) Prepare and issue a state invasive species report biennially prior to December fifteenth of even-numbered years.
252.415. 1. The state invasive species report shall include a review of existing and prospective approaches and authorities for preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species, identify research needs, recommend measures to minimize the risk, and establish an interagency agreement amongst all participating state agencies which establishes areas of primary responsibility appropriate to state agencies. The report shall address and provide for a process to evaluate risks associated with the introduction and spread of invasive species and a coordinated process to identify and monitor the movement of invasive species into the state. The report may recommend to the general assembly and the governor statutory and regulatory changes to protect the economy, environment, and human health from invasive species.
2. Nothing in sections 252.400 to 252.415 shall be construed to limit or override any existing duties, powers, or responsibilities of any state agency as may be provided by law with regard to invasive species.