SF3516

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to change how local governments in Minnesota manage plant pests and diseases. It seeks to ensure that plant pest control efforts are both effective and fair for all communities, especially considering potential racial impacts.

Main Provisions

• Local Authority: City councils, county boards, and town boards can adopt rules to manage plant pests.
• Inspection and Control: The regulations may allow officials to inspect properties, authorize the removal of diseased plants, and require property owners to treat or remove pests or plants.
• Owner Responsibilities: If pest control work is done by the government, the expenses can become a lien on the property.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Prior Approval for Inspections: Inspections of private properties require permission and an attempt to personally speak with the property owner or manager, showcasing proper credentials.
• Annual Planning & Communication: Authorities must prepare an annual plant pest control plan addressing racial impacts and share it with residents.
• Multilingual Outreach: Notifications and communication about pest control must be in all major languages spoken by affected residents.
• Extended Compliance Time: Property owners are given at least 180 days from notification to manage pests before the government intervenes at the owner's expense.
• Cost Transparency: If the government performs pest control at the owner's expense, an itemized cost, including bidding details if applicable, must be provided upon the owner’s request.

Relevant Terms

• Plant pests, inspections, diseased trees, racial impacts, multilingual communication, compliance period, cost transparency, lien, special assessment.