1. (a)

   1. (1) The University of Maryland Extension shall hire an extension agent to serve as a Native Plant Specialist.
   2. (2) The individual hired to serve as the Native Plant Specialist must have expertise in native plants.

2. (b) The Native Plant Specialist shall:

   1. (1) Assist the University of Maryland Extension in fulfilling educational and professional training responsibilities related to the Program;
   2. (2) Coordinate with the Department to deliver educational components of the Program;
   3. (3) Provide input and expertise to the Department in the development of the Commercial Maryland Native Plant List developed under § 10-404 of this subtitle;
   4. (4) Provide input and expertise to the Department on the development of a list of certified Maryland native plant growers and retailers developed under § 10-405 of this subtitle;
   5. (5) Teach growers and other stakeholders about techniques for growing native plants; and
   6. (6) Coordinate education, applied research, and outreach to teach the public, landscapers, and other plant users about the importance, benefit, and availability of native plants.

Added by Acts 2023, c. 489, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024; Acts 2023, c. 490, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.