Prohibits the importation, transportation, disbursement, distribution, sale, or purchase of any species of non-native (exotic) invasive plants.

# Summary of the Rhode Island Invasive Plant Management Act

This bill would make it illegal to import, transport, spread, distribute, sell, or buy any species of non-native invasive plants in Rhode Island. Non-native invasive plants are species that did not originally grow in the state and, when introduced, tend to spread aggressively, crowd out local plants, and harm natural ecosystems. The bill would establish these prohibitions as part of Rhode Island's existing laws governing the protection of trees and plants.

The legislation would affect a range of people and businesses. Nurseries, garden centers, landscapers, and online plant sellers operating in Rhode Island would need to ensure they are not selling or distributing any plants classified as non-native invasives. Homeowners and gardeners could also be affected, as they would no longer be able to legally purchase or transport these species. The bill is aimed at protecting Rhode Island's native plant life, forests, and natural areas from the ecological damage that invasive species can cause, such as displacing native vegetation and disrupting wildlife habitats.

As of the most recent legislative activity, the bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee. The committee has recommended that the measure be held for further study, with a hearing and/or consideration scheduled for January 2026. This means the bill is still in an early stage of the legislative process and has not yet been voted on by the full legislature.