Agriculture - Noxious Weeds - Palmer Amaranth

SB 613 requires Maryland's Department of Agriculture to inspect land for Palmer amaranth (a specific noxious weed) and issue a 2-week eradication order to landowners if found. Landowners must remove the weed using approved methods, with the Department inspecting the property every two weeks until eradication is confirmed. Violations of the order carry escalating penalties: $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $2,000 for third or subsequent violations. Funds from penalties will support broader noxious weed control efforts. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.