Video & Transcript Research : 'noxious weeds'
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HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Wed Feb 4, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- mentioned in our testimony, the noxious mentioned in our testimony, the noxious weed<00:28:59.600
- noxious weeds.
- Authorizes updates to the noxious weed list by order.
- Classifies noxious weeds into three categories.
- weed and harmful invasive plant noxious weed and harmful invasive plant prevention<01:00:32.480>
Keywords:
agriculture, sugarcane, permitting process, land use, conservation district, diversified agriculture, economic impact, invasive species, plant sales, weed risk assessment, consumer protection, environmental impact, workforce development, biosecurity, training program, partnerships, tax credit, Hawaiian home lands, investment costs, nonrefundable
Summary:
The committee heard opening remarks and then took testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 2425 would exempt agricultural enterprises on former commercial sugarcane lands in conservation use districts from certain permitting and site plan requirements. The Department of Agriculture supported the measure and stood on written comments. The Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the intent but said the bill appeared to cite the wrong statute and suggested amending the conservation district law instead. Other testimony was generally supportive, while some witnesses raised concerns about using the right statutory vehicle. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be redirected through a different chapter.
The committee then heard HB 596, which would require retail sellers of plants to disclose invasiveness risk, direct the Invasive Species Council to create a labeling system and weed risk assessments, and establish fines. The Department of Land and Natural Resources strongly supported the bill, saying point-of-sale labels would help consumers make informed choices. Supporters from the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species said the state’s noxious weed and restricted plant lists are outdated or incomplete and that the bill would help prevent harmful species from being purchased and planted. Opponents, including the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, argued the measure was too broad, could stigmatize plants and producers, and might be better implemented through voluntary education or narrower definitions. Committee discussion focused on possible amendments, including using printable labels from a website and limiting the bill to larger commercial retailers.
HB 2573 would create a five-year agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program involving the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Leeward Community College, and the Department of Human Resources Development. DHRD said it supported the intent but wanted clearer responsibilities; the University of Hawaiʻi, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, and others supported the proposal. DAB said the program would help build needed biosecurity staffing and training, and that law-enforcement-related curriculum could be incorporated. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 207, which would expand the important agricultural land qualified agricultural tax credit to include certain Hawaiian homelands and additional agricultural costs such as orchards, fruit crops, and clearing former sugar and pineapple lands. The Department of Taxation and DAB stood on written comments, while the Department of Hawaiian Homelands strongly supported the bill, calling it a potential game-changer for developing agricultural lands and offsetting infrastructure costs; the department also asked that the credit be broadened beyond agriculture alone.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- It adds poison hemlock to the noxious weed list that poisoned hemlock and kudzu, and it takes out the
Keywords:
poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture, water quality, pollution prevention, best management practices, noxious weeds, poison hemlock, kudzu, landowner responsibilities, environmental control, public nuisance, eradication, burn bans, fire danger, drought conditions, emergency declaration, scrap metal, regulation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- A definition of propagate in the noxious weed chapter.
- A definition of noxious weed section.
- <01:38:54.719>
weed plant variety in the noxious weed plant variety in the noxious weed chapter - A definition the noxious weed chapter.
- plants in the noxious weed chapter.
Keywords:
agriculture, livestock, retailers, ownership interest, exclusive contracts, meat packing companies, dominant retailers, state law, Department of Agriculture, appropriation, funding, agriculture policy, state budget, animal welfare, cat declawing, animal cruelty, therapeutic procedures, civil penalties, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, aquatic life
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And so you'll see things about agrivoltaics, noxious weeds, and some pieces on food handling and items
- Anthony Cordlett with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and I oversee the noxious weed program
- But there's 60 other some weeds on the noxious weed list.
- some weeds on the noxious<01:16:12.560>
weed <01:16:12.880>list. - Not all of them rise noxious weed list.
Keywords:
pesticides, wild rice, environmental protection, agriculture, water quality, pollinators, training, management plan, fertilizer research, education grants, Minnesota Agricultural Council, technology transfer, agricultural productivity, HF4372, Minnesota agriculture, meat processing, meat processing training, retention incentive grants, grant extension, project deadline extension
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 5 Feb 9th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HB2975, HB3405, HB3406, HB3728, HB3902, HB3977, SB397, HB1161, HB2938, HB2939, HB3306, HB3722, HB4113, HB4123, HB2293, HB3176, HB3545, HB3546
Keywords:
poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture, water quality, pollution prevention, best management practices, noxious weeds, poison hemlock, kudzu, landowner responsibilities, environmental control, public nuisance, eradication, burn bans, fire danger, drought conditions, emergency declaration, scrap metal, regulation
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Feb 25th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 3405 adds poison hemlock and kudzu to the noxious weed list, and it takes out the $1,000 fine.
Bills:
HB4338, HB3977, HB2100, HB2975, HB3056, HB3406, HB3720, HB4316, HB3405, HB1907, HB3142, HB3173, HB3270, HB3728, HB2440, HB2596, HB3466, HB3469, HB4338, HB3977, HB2100, HB2975, HB3056, HB3406, HB3720, HB4316, HB3405, HB1907, HB3142, HB3173, HB3270, HB3728, HB2440, HB2596, HB3466, HB3469
Keywords:
HB4338, Oklahoma Brine Development Act, brine unitization, produced water, produced water unit, oil and gas wastewater, produced water recycling, reclaimed water, constituent elements, brine rights, solution gas, Corporation Commission, unitization, royalty interests, surface owner, oil and gas produced water, recycling and reuse, wastewater disposal, mineral extraction, lithium extraction
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- the process for designating and managing noxious weeds.
- Authorizes updates to the noxious weed list to be adopted by order and classifies noxious weeds into
- <00:09:56.680>
weed HD2 establishes a state noxious weed HD2 establishes a state noxious weed - Authorizes updates to the noxious weed list to be adopted by order and classifies noxious weeds into
- noxious weeds into three categories. categories. categories.
Bills:
HB1979
Keywords:
environmental review, affordable housing, clean energy, judicial proceedings, public participation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committee held an AEN hearing on Friday, March 20, in Room 224 with remote participation streamed live. The first measure, HB 1880 HD3, would prohibit, beginning January 1, 2030, the use or application of pesticides containing 1,3-D (Telone). Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and HAPA, argued that 1,3-D is a probable carcinogen, can drift off target, and poses risks to farm workers, nearby families, children, and vulnerable communities, while safer alternatives exist. Opponents, including the Western Plant Health Association and Dole Food, said the product is federally registered and regulated, is needed for pineapple production, and that banning it could threaten jobs, local food production, and the pineapple industry; Dole also noted a petition signed by 95 employees opposing the bill. The chair recorded 73 in support, seven opposed, and two comments for the measure.
The committee then took up HB 1931 HD2, which would establish a state noxious weed coordinator, update the process for designating and managing noxious weeds, allow public proposals to change designations, require notice and reporting, classify weeds into three categories, and strengthen enforcement and penalties. Testimony was generally supportive, with DLNR and DAB submitting support and CGAPS backing the bill as a modernization of outdated 1950s-era statutes, arguing that more flexible administrative rules would better address changing agricultural and invasive species conditions. The measure received 38 supportive testimonies, with no opposition or comments recorded.
Because the committee did not have quorum, no final decision was made on the measures. The chair announced that decision-making would be rolled to Wednesday, March 25, at 3:05 p.m. in Room 224, and the hearing adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Another one that comes to mind is noxious weeds.
- Another one that comes to mind is noxious weeds.
- Another one that comes to mind is noxious weeds.
- Another one that comes to mind is noxious weeds.
- Another one that comes to mind is noxious weeds.
Summary:
The committee heard several resolutions focused on agriculture, invasive species, biodiversity, and clean energy finance. STR 34/SR 20 asked Hawaii’s congressional delegation to urge USDA to address unequal treatment of Hawaii in exporting agricultural goods; the Department of Agriculture supported the measure. STR 41/SR 25 encouraged each county to develop its own biosecurity plan, with testimony from the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, and the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species supporting county-level planning and coordination. Testifiers emphasized the importance of local response capacity for invasive species, while also noting that quarantine authority should remain at the state level; one witness requested an amendment to include possible legislative changes needed at the state and county levels. STR 110/SR 91 requested a study on the feasibility of a state green bond program, with support testimony submitted by Coalition Earth and no oral testimony from the energy office.
Members asked questions about how county biosecurity plans would interface with existing state efforts, and witnesses described current interagency work and county response plans already being developed for species such as little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, and coqui frogs. The discussion also referenced a recent Oahu coqui detection on Sand Island and the need for flexible treatment options. For the green bond measure, members described it as a potential tool for renewable energy goals. No opposition testimony was presented on the measures discussed.
On decision-making, the committees recommended passage of STR 34/SR 20 with technical non-substantive amendments, STR 41/SR 25 with the suggested amendment from CAPS, STR 56/SR 40 without amendment, and STR 110/SR 91 with technical non-substantive amendments. The recommendations were adopted by the committees, and the agenda concluded with adjournment.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And then you alluded to noxious weeds.
- And so noxious weeds have been there.
- And so noxious weeds been there.
- So noxious weeds have been there.
- The impact that noxious weeds have on our ag lands is devastating.
Summary:
The California Senate Committee on Agriculture heard several bills focused on agricultural equity, seed regulation, conservation, and pest prevention. AB 52 by Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry would codify two existing CDFA advisory committees created under the Farmer Equity Act: the California BIPOC Producer Advisory Committee and the Small-Scale Producer Advisory Committee. Supporters said the committees give socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers a permanent voice in policy and program development, while no opposition was presented. Members spoke favorably about the bill and its equity goals.
AB 1848 by Assembly Member Ransom would raise seed law fees to fund CDFA seed enforcement, which supporters described as a consumer protection measure ensuring seeds are accurately labeled and free of contamination and noxious weeds. AB 1551 by Assembly Member Krell would add implementation of the “rice footprint” to the California Rice Commission’s priorities, tying rice acreage management to habitat conservation for waterfowl, shorebirds, salmon, and other species; the bill drew support from conservation groups and the rice industry. AB 2143 by Assembly Member Irwin would prohibit online marketplaces from facilitating the sale and shipment of noxious weeds into California, with supporters citing the spread of invasive species through e-commerce and the need to modernize enforcement.
After discussion, the committee took formal action once a quorum was established. AB 2143 was moved first and passed 3-0, then the committee approved the consent calendar items and AB 52, AB 1848, and AB 1551. All bills were reported out of committee, with several initially held on call for absent members before final votes were recorded. The meeting then adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:13:09.400>
weeds, refers to noxious weeds, refers to noxious weeds, and<00:13:11.160>< - noxious weeds to come across our border? noxious weeds to come across our border?
- /c><00:13:44.560>
know parts of noxious weeds, but I do know parts of noxious weeds, but I do - <00:15:56.040>
weed noxious weed noxious weed study<00:15:57.360>group. - noxious weed situations in look into the noxious weed situations in terms<00:17:02.600>
of <00:
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN-HHS, AEN, AEN-EIG Public Hearings 04-11-2025
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, counties are completely preempted from regulating noxious weeds, pests, or other invasive
- weed program at this time.
- Currently, counties are completely preempted from regulating noxious weeds, pests, or other invasive
- Currently, counties are completely preempted from regulating noxious weeds, pests, or other invasive
- Noxious weeds, pests, or other invasive species or infested material.
Summary:
The joint Health, Human Services, Agriculture, and Environment hearing first took up HTR 28, which would reconvene the working group created under House Resolution 18 to continue addressing water and air contamination and remediation issues tied to the Pua Range Training Facility. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with speakers describing long-standing community concern and alleged lead contamination near the shooting range and nearby beach areas. One testifier urged passage as a critical mechanism for protecting the community. The committees then voted to recommend passage of HTR 28 as is, and the motion was adopted.
The committees next considered HCR 25 HD1, asking the Department of Agriculture to add a statement on desecration laws to the plant and animal declaration form, and HCR 200, concerning the Maui axis deer control and venison initiative. The Department of Agriculture and DLNR offered comments on HCR 25 HD1, and HCR 200 drew support from the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council and others, who said axis deer pose economic and environmental threats. Both measures were advanced with technical amendments, and both recommendations were adopted.
The hearing then moved to HCR 27, which asks Hawaii’s congressional delegation to petition USDA to address disparities affecting Hawaii’s agricultural exports, and HCR 42 HD1, encouraging each county to develop its own biosecurity plan. The Department of Agriculture supported HCR 27, and testimony on HCR 42 HD1 emphasized county-level invasive species prevention, the need for local biosecurity planning, and gaps in state and county authority over noxious weeds and invasive plants. After a brief recess to regain quorum, both committees voted to pass HCR 27 with technical amendments and HCR 42 HD1 as is; all motions were adopted and the hearing adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans Broadband and Rural Development - 03/12/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Fri Mar 21, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 03/23/26
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:47:04.160>
weed Anthony Cortilet, I oversee the noxious weed program at the Department - the commissioner for listing noxious the commissioner for listing noxious weeds,<00:47:37.520>
- <00:50:27.320>
weeds <00:50:27.880>and in the ditch to kill noxious weeds and in the- <00:50:47.480>
weeds to kill noxious weeds to kill noxious weeds uh,<00:50:49.000>in <00:51:30.720>weeds <00:51:31.040>need seat newspaper that noxious weeds need seat - <00:50:27.320>
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Fri Mar 20, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- weeds come in.
- weeds come in.
- weeds come in.
- <00:32:39.440>
weeds, <00:32:39.960>reseeding of those noxious weeds, reseeding of - those noxious weeds, reseeding pasture,<00:32:41.640>
um <00:32:42.000>etc.
Keywords:
agriculture, biosecurity, grant funding, food security, climate resiliency, agricultural development, Hawaii Island, property manager, agribusiness, state employment, invasive species, lease provisions, environment, food safety, farmers, local food systems, rural development, livestock, forage grasses, pest management
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Energy (3-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- noted that the bill does not conflict with authorities already given to other agencies to control noxious
- weeds, clearing weeds on roadways, and terrestrial nuisance trees.
- weeds, clearing weeds on roadways, and terrestrial nuisance trees.
- <00:04:09.280>
weeds agencies to control noxious weeds agencies to control noxious weeds clearing - clearing Weeds on roadways and clearing Weeds on roadways and terrestrial<00:04:13.959>
nuisance
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:04
Introduction of Guests 00:54
HB 640 Discussion 01:15
HB 640 Roll Call Vote 05:16
HB 641 Discussion 06:11
HB 641 Roll Call Vote 11:49
HB 790 Discussion 12:47
HB 790 Roll Call Vote 14:23
Chair Comments regarding SB 89 16:04, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and took up House Bills 640, 641, and 790. HB 640 would authorize the Energy and Environment Cabinet to adopt regulations to control invasive non-native plant species, with testimony focusing on the threat posed by species such as callery pear/Bradford pear to native plants, forest health, and the economy. Members asked whether the bill itself would ban Bradford pears; the sponsor clarified that it would not directly ban them, but would give the cabinet regulatory authority. The bill received a favorable expression by roll call.
HB 641 addressed coal combustion byproducts, explaining that the bill would help preserve landfill space by allowing these materials to be reused as special waste in places such as abandoned strip mines or underground mines, and would clarify that reclaimed land could qualify for agricultural use such as pasture, hay, or crop production. Members raised concerns about groundwater and runoff; the sponsor and another member argued that placing the material under cover would reduce exposure compared with open piles currently sitting at power plants. After discussion, the bill passed with favorable expression, with a few members passing on the vote.
HB 790, as amended by committee substitute, was described as substantially narrowed from its original form. The substitute removed setback requirements and instead required construction certificate holders for solar merchant electric generating facilities to report federal and state incentives used for siting, construction, and operation, with the cabinet compiling and submitting an annual report to the General Assembly. The committee approved the substitute and the bill passed with favorable expression. At the end of the meeting, members were also reminded of a later TVA energy update meeting and the chair noted ongoing work on Senate Bill 89, with possible future action and a special meeting if revised language is ready.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- , the noxious weeds.
- , the noxious weeds.
- , the noxious weeds.
- , the noxious weeds.
- , the noxious weeds.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt.
The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AGR-AEN Joint Info Briefing - Fri Jan 16, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's depending Hawaii Noxious Weed List.
- <00:42:34.880>
weed dirty list, the federal noxious weed dirty list, the federal noxious weed - <00:53:35.920>
weed update or modernize our noxious weed update or modernize our noxious weed - adding new weeds to the noxious weed list.
- know, new uh weeds to the noxious weed know, new uh weeds to the noxious weed list.<01:45:39.280
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- weed has made its presence felt in the islands, how they deal with that: identification, surveying,
- 20.720>
or activities once a pest invasive pest or activities once a pest invasive pest or noxious - <00:23:21.440>
weed <00:23:22.080>has <00:23:22.320>made <00:23:22.480>its - ><00:23:22.720>
presence <00:23:23.200>felt noxious weed has made its presence felt noxious- weed has made its presence felt in<00:23:23.679>
the <00:23:23.840>islands <00:23:24.240 - ><00:23:22.720>
Keywords:
appropriations, legislative expenses, auditor, legislative reference bureau, state ethics commission, ombudsman, government transparency, HB2272, Act 026, public employment cost items, emergency appropriations, collective bargaining, bargaining unit 11, BU-11, state employees, excluded employees, salary increases, cost adjustments, health premium payments, benefits
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AGR-EEP Joint Public Hearing - Fri Feb 6, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- weed coordinator.
- weed designation at any time instead of just from January to March.
- weed list will be updated pursuant to section 152-4, and distribution notifications will be in this
- person to submit a proposal for noxious person to submit a proposal for noxious weed<01:36:04.880
- <01:36:29.360>
weed and after board action the noxious weed and after board action the noxious
Keywords:
pesticides, environmental impact, agriculture, 1,3-dichloropropene, chlorpyrifos, land management, wastewater compliance, state funding, survey issues, 910, house, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Agriculture and Food Systems and Energy and Environmental Protection heard three bills. HB 1621 would create a conservation, agriculture, and soil health incentive program under the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, with annual reporting and funding. Testimony was broadly supportive from the Climate Commission, University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii Farmers Union, White Alliance for Progressive Action, and the Farm Bureau, and the bill was described as a way to advance soil health and support producers. HB 1880 would prohibit, beginning in 2027, the use of pesticides containing 1,3-dichloropropene (such as Telone). The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity offered written comments, Hawaii Farmers Union supported the ban citing drift and health concerns, and the Farm Bureau opposed it, arguing growers need such tools; the bill also drew discussion about crop rotation and other pest-management practices. HB 1831 would authorize funding to address survey deficiencies and wastewater compliance issues on certain non-agricultural parklands; the Attorney General’s Office warned the bill as written may violate the U.S. Constitution’s contract clause and suggested revisions, while the department and Farm Bureau supported the measure’s intent. The committees later took up decision-making and voted to pass all three measures with amendments, with the effective dates changed to July 1, 3000 and HB 1831 amended to reflect the Attorney General’s suggested changes.
The Agriculture and Food Systems committee then heard HB 1572, which would establish a four-year restorative aquaculture development program to streamline permitting, expand infrastructure and workforce capacity, create pilot sites, and convene an advisory council. The Attorney General noted a technical issue about whether council members would be compensated, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Farmers Union all expressed support for streamlining aquaculture and promoting restorative aquaculture. Members asked about the bill’s focus on restorative aquaculture, and the department said the program would give the area dedicated resources and a framework. The committee also heard HB 219, which would temporarily reestablish the coffee berry borer pesticide subsidy program and manager position; the department, Waimea Coffee Association, Farm Bureau, and Farmers Union supported it. HB 2139 would fund University of Hawaiʻi research on treatment methods for the Queensland longhorn beetle. Testimony from DLNR, the invasive species council, university researchers, farmers, and the Farm Bureau emphasized the beetle’s spread and damage to trees and crops, and described nematode biocontrol as promising but labor-intensive and in need of more research and scaling. Members asked whether the funding was for research rather than a position, whether the current nematode approach is sufficient for large orchards, and whether other controls are being explored; the response was that the bill funds testing and that more work is needed, including local production of nematodes if the method proves effective.