Agriculture – Noxious Weeds – Palmer Amaranth

HB 949 requires Maryland landowners (including public land managers) to eradicate Palmer amaranth - a specific noxious weed - within two weeks of a Department of Agriculture order. The department must inspect infested land every two weeks until eradication is confirmed. Landowners face escalating fines: $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second, and $2,000 for third or subsequent failures to comply. Penalties fund further noxious weed control efforts, with the bill taking effect October 1, 2026.