1. (a) The regulations adopted under § 9.5-301 of this subtitle shall classify as prohibited invasive plants all terrestrial plants classified by regulation before January 1, 2024, as a tier 1 invasive plant.

2. (b) Each terrestrial plant classified by regulation before January 1, 2024, as a tier 2 invasive plant shall be assessed in accordance with § 9.5-301 of this subtitle by December 31, 2025, and shall be:

   1. (1) If the results of the assessment determine the plant is an invasive plant, classified as a prohibited invasive plant under the regulations adopted under § 9.5-301 of this subtitle; or
   2. (2) If the results of the assessment determine the plant is not an invasive plant, placed on the Watch List.
3. (c) In addition to the prohibited invasive plants set forth in subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary may classify, by regulation, a plant species as a prohibited invasive plant in accordance with § 9.5-301 of this subtitle.
4. (d) The Secretary shall include on the Consolidated List of Maryland Invasive Plant Species an invasive plant classified as a prohibited invasive plant in accordance with § 9.5-301 of this subtitle and this section.

Added by Acts 2024, c. 589, § 1, eff. June 1, 2024; Acts 2024, c. 590, § 1, eff. June 1, 2024.