1. (1) Investigate, study, and make a determination on:

   1. (i) The extent of growth and infestation of a noxious weed or other weed species in the State; and
   2. (ii) The effect of the noxious weed or other weed species on agricultural production;
2. (2) By regulation, designate as a noxious weed any plant that adversely affects or threatens agricultural production;
3. (3) Institute programs or carry out practices necessary for the control and eradication of a noxious weed;
4. (4) Enter into agreements with a county or other political subdivision of the State, an adjoining state, or an agency of the federal government to implement a program for the control and eradication of a noxious weed;
5. (5) Accept, use, or expend any aid, gift, grant, or loan made available from any private or public source to carry out the provisions of this subtitle; and
6. (6) Following a public hearing declare a quarantine to control or eradicate any exotic plant, which means a plant species not previously known to occur in the State or known to be of only limited distribution in the State, as determined by the Secretary.

The Secretary may:

Added by Acts 1973, 1st Sp. Sess., c. 6, § 1. Amended by Acts 1984, c. 362; Acts 1987, c. 484; Acts 2019, c. 278, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2019.

Formerly Art. 48, § 201.