By Tiffany Williams –
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Legislation to ban invasive plants in Rhode Island was heard Thursday by the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, a move sponsors say is aimed at protecting the state’s biodiversity and natural landscapes.
The bill, 2026-H 7071, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Boylan and Sen. Mark McKenney, would prohibit the sale, purchase, importation, distribution, introduction, or dispersal of any non-native invasive plant species. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management would create the regulations and maintain the list of prohibited plants. Fines for violations could reach $500.
“Invasive plants are a scourge on the biodiversity and natural beauty of Rhode Island, and between the work of our land trusts, the Department of Environmental Management and concerned community members across the state, we’ve put a lot of time and money into pulling them out of the ground. But it is a lot easier if they never go into the ground in the first place,” Boylan said. “Rhode Island is an outlier in the United States—46 other states restrict the sale and distribution of invasive plants—and it is past time we ban the sale and distribution of terrestrial invasive plants.”
Senator McKenney said the state could expand its existing efforts on aquatic invasives to cover terrestrial plants. “Invasive species are an issue that negatively impacts every aspect of our environment. A sensible list of plants that we keep out of Rhode Island is important first step in preserving the beauty and natural diversity of our state,” he said.
Environmental groups praised the legislation. Kate Sayles, executive director of the Rhode Island Land Trust Council, said the measure is crucial for managing widespread and costly invasive species. Jeffrey Hall of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island added that preventing the sale of invasive plants protects native habitats and strengthens ecosystems as climate change reshapes the environment.