reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-14 - Tree Wardens › Section 2-14-7. - Powers and duties of wardens.

§ 2-14-7. Powers and duties of wardens.
The tree warden shall expend all sums which are appropriated for the setting out, care and maintenance of trees and shrubs on roads and public places under his or her control. He or she shall enforce all provisions of law for the preservation of those trees and shrubs and may make suitable regulations governing the care and preservation of those trees and shrubs as he or she may deem expedient, and those regulations are subject to the approval of the town or city council.
History of Section.
P.L. 1931, ch. 1763, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 225, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 2-14-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-14 - Tree Wardens › Section 2-14-8. - Removal and pruning of trees.

§ 2-14-8. Removal and pruning of trees.
Whenever, in the opinion of the tree warden, it is necessary to remove or prune any tree or shrub under his or her control, he or she may cause the tree or shrub to be removed or pruned at the expense of the town or city, and the town council or city council shall order paid to the person performing the work any reasonable compensation that may be determined and approved, in writing, by the tree warden. Unless the condition of the tree constitutes an immediate public hazard, he or she shall, at least five (5) days before the removal, post in the immediate vicinity a suitable notice stating his or her intention to remove the tree. If any person, firm or corporation objects to the removal, he or she or it may appeal to the tree warden, in writing, who shall hold a public hearing at some suitable time and place after giving reasonable notice of the hearing to all persons known to be interested and posting a suitable notice in the immediate vicinity. Within three (3) days after the hearing, the tree warden shall render his or her decision granting or denying the appeal. The department of transportation, the department of environmental management, and the park commission of any town or city have the right to remove or prune any tree or shrub at their own expense, but prior to the removal of any tree shall post a suitable notice in the immediate vicinity of the tree and, if requested, hold a public hearing and either grant or deny the appeal.
History of Section.
P.L. 1931, ch. 1763, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 225, § 4; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 100; impl. am. P.L. 1952, ch. 2973, §§ 2, 4; G.L. 1956, § 2-14-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-14 - Tree Wardens › Section 2-14-9. - Suppression of pests and diseases.

§ 2-14-9. Suppression of pests and diseases.
In any case where the town or city council requests the department of environmental management to give general supervision over its town or city forest in the suppression of insect pests and tree diseases, the tree warden shall follow those recommendations and cooperate closely with the department of environmental management.
History of Section.
P.L. 1931, ch. 1763, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 225, § 14; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 160; G.L. 1956, § 2-14-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-14 - Tree Wardens › Section 2-14-10. - Local appropriations.

§ 2-14-10. Local appropriations.
Each town or city may appropriate annually sums of money to be expended by the tree warden of a town or city in the planting, trimming, spraying, care, and preservation of shrubs or ornamental or shade trees within the limits of any public highway or grounds under his or her control and, at the discretion of the tree warden with the written consent of the owner, upon land adjoining any public highway or grounds, if not more than twenty (20) feet from the highway or grounds, for the purpose of shading or ornamenting highway or grounds.
History of Section.
P.L. 1931, ch. 1763, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 225, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 2-14-10; P.L. 2006, ch. 564, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-14 - Tree Wardens › Section 2-14-11. - Application to Providence.

§ 2-14-11. Application to Providence.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the city of Providence, and this chapter shall in no way affect the provisions of chapter 1479 of the public laws, 1907, entitled “An act providing for the care and preservation of shade trees, and for other purposes, in the city of Providence,” as amended by chapter 693 of the public laws, 1925. The appointment of a tree warden for the city of Providence is approved by the director of environmental management, as provided in § 2-14-2.
History of Section.
P.L. 1931, ch. 1763, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 225, § 15; impl. am. P.L. 1952, ch. 2973, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 2-14-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-14 - Tree Wardens › Section 2-14-12. - Application to West Greenwich.

§ 2-14-12. Application to West Greenwich.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the tree warden of the town of West Greenwich who was appointed prior to July 1, 1986 and has served continuously as the tree warden since that date.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 208, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 328, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-15 - Protection of Trees and Plants Generally › Section 2-15-1. - Registration of wood cutting operations.

§ 2-15-1. Registration of wood cutting operations.
No person, firm or corporation, or any authorized agent of that person, firm or corporation, shall cut or saw standing or growing trees, shrubs or vegetation for commercial forest products, other than for the owner’s own domestic use, unless the person, firm or corporation is registered as a woods operator with the department of environmental management. Application for a registration certificate shall be made, in writing, on or after July 1 of each year on forms prepared by the department of environmental management accompanied by a fee as authorized by regulation in § 2-10-3.1 for each certificate, and all registration certificates shall expire on June 30 of the year following their issuance. Funds collected from registration fees as provided in this section shall be deposited within the state forestry fund as provided for in § 2-10-3.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 281, § 27; P.L. 1932, ch. 1928, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 223, § 8; G.L., ch. 223, § 11, as redesignated by P.L. 1940, ch. 914, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1952, ch. 2973, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 2-15-1; P.L. 1958, ch. 172, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 23, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-15 - Protection of Trees and Plants Generally › Section 2-15-2. - Reports to department — Suspensions.

§ 2-15-2. Reports to department — Suspensions.
Before any person, firm or corporation cuts or saws, as provided in this chapter, he or she shall at least five (5) days prior to the cutting or sawing notify the department of environmental management, on forms prepared by the department, of the location of the area and/or property. The five (5) day notice contained in this section may be reduced to any length of time, including a complete waiver of the five (5) day notice by the department, if in the discretion of the department the reduction is warranted. Failure to give the required notice is considered sufficient cause to suspend a registration certificate for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days. No suspension becomes effective unless the person, firm or corporation which is alleged to have failed to give the required notice has been notified of the alleged failure and has also had an opportunity to be heard. Any person, firm, or corporation, or any authorized agent of any person, firm or corporation shall utilize best management practices while harvesting trees as provided for in this chapter. Administrative fees for the filing of five (5) day notices shall be collected as provided for in § 2-10-3.1 and deposited within the state forestry fund as provided for in § 2-10-3.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 281, § 27; P.L. 1932, ch. 1928, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 223, § 8; G.L., ch. 223, § 11, as redesignated by P.L. 1940, ch. 914, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 2-15-2; P.L. 1958, ch. 172, § 1; P.L. 1961, ch. 182, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 23, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-15 - Protection of Trees and Plants Generally › Section 2-15-3. - Violations.

§ 2-15-3. Violations.
Any person, firm or corporation or agent who cuts or saws standing or growing trees, shrubs, or vegetation for commercial forest products from any location without first receiving a registration certificate shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100), nor more than five hundred dollars ($500).
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 281, § 27; P.L. 1932, ch. 1928, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 223, § 8; G.L., ch. 223, § 11, as redesignated by P.L. 1940, ch. 914, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1952, ch. 2973, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 2-15-3; P.L. 1958, ch. 172, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 276, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-15 - Protection of Trees and Plants Generally › Section 2-15-4. - Exemptions from §§ 2-15-1 — 2-15-3.

§ 2-15-4. Exemptions from §§ 2-15-1 — 2-15-3.
The provisions of §§ 2-15-1 — 2-15-3 shall not be construed to mean the cutting of shade trees or shrubs, or the cutting or sawing on single holdings of less than five (5) acres or to woodland owners who cut or saw, for sale to others, no more than five thousand (5,000) board feet or twenty-five (25) cords of the items described in § 2-15-1 in any one registration year.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 281, § 27; P.L. 1932, ch. 1928, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 223, § 8; G.L., ch. 223, § 11, as redesignated by P.L. 1940, ch. 914, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 2-15-4; P.L. 1958, ch. 172, § 1; P.L. 1961, ch. 182, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 23, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-15 - Protection of Trees and Plants Generally › Section 2-15-5. - Removal of injurious plants.

§ 2-15-5. Removal of injurious plants.
The tree warden, the department of transportation, the department of environmental management or the park commission of any town or city or any state agency, may cause to be removed any trees or other plants within the limits of public highways or grounds under their respective jurisdiction, that are injurious plants or are obnoxious as hosts of insects or fungus pests. Any tree removed for any reason except for interference with public health or safety, within the limits of public highways shall be replaced by the state agency removing the tree as soon as weather conditions permit.
History of Section.
P.L. 1931, ch. 1763, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 225, § 5; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 100; impl. am. P.L. 1952, ch. 2973, §§ 2, 4; G.L. 1956, § 2-15-5; P.L. 1983, ch. 129, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-15 - Protection of Trees and Plants Generally › Section 2-15-6. - Injuries to trees and shrubs prohibited.

§ 2-15-6. Injuries to trees and shrubs prohibited.
(a)
No person shall, without the consent of the tree warden, the department of transportation, the department of environmental management, or the park commission of any town or city use climbing spurs for the purpose of climbing ornamental or shade trees, and no person or agent of a firm or corporation shall remove, cut down, prune, wilfully injure, or deface any shrub or tree within the limits of any public way or grounds without the written permission of the tree warden, or the department of transportation, or the department of environmental management, or the park commission of any town or city.
(b)
Any person, firm or corporation removing or cutting down a tree located along a state or municipal highway shall replace the tree with a hardy young tree of a similar kind in the same general location of the tree cut down or removed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1931, ch. 1763, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 225, § 7; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 100; impl. am. P.L. 1952, ch. 2973, §§ 2, 4; G.L. 1956, § 2-15-6; P.L. 1987, ch. 333, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-15 - Protection of Trees and Plants Generally › Section 2-15-7. - Throwing of debris prohibited.

§ 2-15-7. Throwing of debris prohibited.
(a)
No person, or agent of a firm or corporation, shall:
(1)
Deposit or throw any advertisement within the limits of any public way or grounds, or upon private premises or property, unless the advertisement is left at the door of the residence or place of business of the occupant of the premises or property;
(2)
Throw, dump, or deposit or cause to be thrown, dumped, or deposited bottles, glass, crockery, cans, scrap metal, junk, paper, garbage, old automobiles or parts, refuse of whatever nature, or any noxious thing on the public highway or within the limits of the highway right-of-way, or on lands or waters adjoining a public highway, without the consent of the owners of those lands or waters; or
(3)
Throw, dump, or deposit or cause to be thrown, dumped, or deposited refuse or noxious things over the sides or approaches of any bridge or culvert into any stream or watercourse.
(b)
The tree warden, department of transportation, the department of environmental management, or the park commission of any town or city, as the case may be, may provide suitable locations equipped with proper fireplaces on the roadside of any public highway or on other public grounds under their jurisdiction for the building of fires, and equipped with trash cans for the deposit of rubbish or debris, the use of these locations and fireplaces to be subject to proper regulations. The fireplaces and the regulations governing their use shall meet with the approval of the director of environmental management.
(c)
Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500). Any violation shall be heard by the traffic tribunal in accordance with § 31-41.1-6.
History of Section.
P.L. 1931, ch. 1763, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 225, § 8; P.L. 1953, ch. 3221, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 2-15-7; P.L. 1980, ch. 153, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-15 - Protection of Trees and Plants Generally › Section 2-15-8. - Permits for cutting or removal of plants or debris — Replacement of damaged or removed trees.

§ 2-15-8. Permits for cutting or removal of plants or debris — Replacement of damaged or removed trees.
(a)
Whenever any person, firm or corporation other than a tree warden or his or her deputy, or an authorized agent of the department of transportation, or an authorized agent of the department of environmental management, or an authorized agent of the park commission of any town or city desires the cutting or removal, in whole or in part, of any public shrub or ornamental or shade tree, or the burning of any rubbish or debris upon any public highway or in any park or public grounds, that person, firm or corporation shall apply in writing to the tree warden or the department of transportation, the department of environmental management, or the park commission of any town or city, as the case may be, for permission to do the cutting, removing or burning and shall obtain a written permit before the cutting, removing or burning shall commence.
(b)
When the application is made for the cutting or removal of trees along any public highway for the purpose of moving, constructing or demolishing any building, the permit shall contain a provision that the applicant shall replace any trees that are removed or in the opinion of the issuer are substantially damaged in the process at his or her own expense and file a bond in an amount and with surety suitable to the issuer of the permit to assure performance of the same. The sum of the diameter of the replacement trees shall be substantially equivalent to the sum of the diameters of the trees which were cut or removed, and shall be planted within the immediate community area.
(c)
Any person, firm, corporation or governmental entity that removes or substantially damages, in whole or in part, any tree on public grounds shall replace the tree with a substantially equivalent tree or trees, the sum of the diameters of which are equal to twice that removed or damaged, in the immediate vicinity of the tree removed or damaged. This subsection does not apply to a public utility or its authorized agent when the work being performed is in accordance with a written tree trimming and tree replacement program filed with and approved by the tree warden in the municipality where the work is being done or by the state forester for work to be performed on state land and in municipalities that do not have functioning tree wardens.
History of Section.
P.L. 1931, ch. 1763, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 225, § 9; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 100; impl. am. P.L. 1952, ch. 2973, §§ 2, 4; G.L. 1956, § 2-15-8; P.L. 1979, ch. 38, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 331, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-15 - Protection of Trees and Plants Generally › Section 2-15-9. - Control of injurious gases.

§ 2-15-9. Control of injurious gases.
No person, firm or corporation owning or using or having control or charge of gas or other substance shall knowingly permit that gas or other substance to come in contact with the soil surrounding the roots of any tree, shrub or plant in any public highway or on any public grounds, under the jurisdiction of the tree warden, or the department of transportation, the department of environmental management, or the park commission of any town or city in any manner that shall injure, kill or destroy the tree, shrub or plant.
History of Section.
P.L. 1931, ch. 1763, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 225, § 10; impl. am. P.L. 1952, ch. 2973, §§ 2, 4; G.L. 1956, § 2-15-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-15 - Protection of Trees and Plants Generally › Section 2-15-10. - Control of injurious liquids.

§ 2-15-10. Control of injurious liquids.
No person, firm or corporation shall cause, authorize or permit any brine water, oil, liquid dye, or other substance deleterious to plant life to lie, leak, pour, flow or drip on or into the soil about the base of a tree, shrub or plant in any public highway or on any public land under the jurisdiction of the tree warden, or the department of transportation, the department of environmental management, or the park commission of any town or city.
History of Section.
P.L. 1931, ch. 1763, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 225, § 11; impl. am. P.L. 1952, ch. 2973, §§ 2, 4; G.L. 1956, § 2-15-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-15 - Protection of Trees and Plants Generally › Section 2-15-11. - Penalty for violations of §§ 2-15-6, 2-15-8, 2-15-9, and 2-15-10.

§ 2-15-11. Penalty for violations of §§ 2-15-6, 2-15-8, 2-15-9, and 2-15-10.
(a)
Any person, firm or corporation violating the provisions of §§ 2-15-6, 2-15-8, 2-15-9, or 2-15-10, shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) for each offense.
(b)
The director of the department of environmental management has the authority to order anyone convicted of violating § 2-15-8 or any governmental entity which the director determines violated § 2-15-8 to plant a replacement tree or trees, the sum of the diameters of which are equal to twice that removed or damaged, in the immediate vicinity of the tree removed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1931, ch. 1763, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 225, § 12; P.L. 1976, ch. 288, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 153, § 2; P.L. 1991, ch. 331, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-15 - Protection of Trees and Plants Generally › Section 2-15-12. - Plants for taking of which permits are required.

§ 2-15-12. Plants for taking of which permits are required.
No person, firm or corporation shall dig up, pull up or take from the land of another or from any public domain, the whole or any part of any trailing arbutus (epigea repens), American holly (ilex opaca), white pine, red cedar, hemlock or other coniferous trees, or any black alder (ilex verticillata), any inkberry (ilex glabra), any flowering dogwood (cornus florida), any mountain laurel (kalmia latifolia), any great rhododendron (rhododendron maximia), or any ground pine (lycopodium obscurum), or any trailing Christmas greens (lycopodium complanatum), or any sea lavender (limonium carolinianum), without having in his or her possession a permit to dig up, pull up or take those plants signed by the owner of the land, or by his or her authorized agent.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 735, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 2-15-12; P.L. 1991, ch. 32, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-15 - Protection of Trees and Plants Generally › Section 2-15-13. - Transportation of contraband plants.

§ 2-15-13. Transportation of contraband plants.
No person, firm or corporation shall carry or transport or cause to be carried or transported or cause to be carried or transported by others, or by a common carrier, within the state of Rhode Island, any of the plants or parts of plants mentioned in § 2-15-12 unless he or she has first obtained a written permit to take the plants signed by the owner of the land or by his or her authorized agent. No provision of this section is to be construed to apply to any shrub, tree or plant in transit to or from or growing in any commercial nursery.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 735, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 2-15-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-15 - Protection of Trees and Plants Generally › Section 2-15-14. - Plants as prima facie evidence of violations.

§ 2-15-14. Plants as prima facie evidence of violations.
The presence in transit upon a public highway, or in the possession of a common carrier, of plants or parts of plants mentioned in § 2-15-12, not accompanied by a proper and valid permit is prima facie evidence of the violation of the provisions of §§ 2-15-12 — 2-15-17 by the possessor, or if in the hands of a common carrier or other transporting agent, by the consignor of those plants or parts of plants.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 735, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 2-15-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-15 - Protection of Trees and Plants Generally › Section 2-15-15. - Arrest and prosecution of violators.

§ 2-15-15. Arrest and prosecution of violators.
Any police officer, sheriff or any employee of the department of environmental management having police powers may arrest a violator or violators of §§ 2-15-12 — 2-15-17 and cause him or her or them to be prosecuted before the proper court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 735, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 2-15-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-15 - Protection of Trees and Plants Generally › Section 2-15-16. - Penalty for violations of §§ 2-15-12 — 2-15-17.

§ 2-15-16. Penalty for violations of §§ 2-15-12 — 2-15-17.
Any person convicted of violating the provisions of §§ 2-15-12 — 2-15-17 shall be fined not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00) for each offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 735, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 2-15-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-15 - Protection of Trees and Plants Generally › Section 2-15-17. - Powers of department of environmental management preserved.

§ 2-15-17. Powers of department of environmental management preserved.
No provision of §§ 2-15-12 — 2-15-17 shall be construed to divest the department of environmental management of any power or powers vested in that department.
History of Section.
P.L. 1939, ch. 735, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 2-15-17.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-16 - General Plant Pest Act › Section 2-16-1. - Short title.

§ 2-16-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known by the short title of “the Rhode Island general plant pest act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3547, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 2-16-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-16 - General Plant Pest Act › Section 2-16-2. - Definitions.

§ 2-16-2. Definitions.
(a)
For the purpose of this chapter:
(1)
“Director” means the director of the department of environmental management for the state of Rhode Island and his or her authorized agents.
(2)
“Person” means any individual, association, partnership, society, or combination of individuals, or any institution, park, or other public agency administered by the state or by any city or town.
(3)
“Plant parts and plant products” means all vegetative and propagative structures constituting parts of the plant body or produced by plants, whether intact or subdivided, and whether or not still attached to the plant, when existing in a crude or natural state, or which have not been processed in a manner adequate to free them of plant pests or to cause them to be incapable of harboring, vectoring, being, transmitting, or transporting those plant pests.
(4)
“Plant pest” means any insect, nematode, protozoan, crustacean, or any other invertebrate animal, and any virus, bacterium, fungus, or other member of the plant kingdom, in any stage of development, known to be or suspected of being capable of causing serious injury or damage to, or of inciting serious diseases in, plants or parts and products of plants, whether in the field, in storage, or in markets and any animal, plant, plant part or product, or inanimate object constituting a source of danger to plants, plant parts and products, by reason of a capacity to constitute a vector, reservoir, alternate host, place of breeding, hibernation refuge, or vehicle of distribution, for any of the types of organisms mentioned in this subsection.
(5)
“Viruses”: All viruses shall be considered to be animate.
(b)
Terms or words as used in this chapter are construed to import either singular or plural form, and either masculine or feminine gender.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3547, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 2-16-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-16 - General Plant Pest Act › Section 2-16-4. - Permitting plant pests to exist — Distribution of infected plants.

§ 2-16-4. Permitting plant pests to exist — Distribution of infected plants.
It is unlawful for any person in this state knowingly to permit any seriously injurious insects or plant diseases that have been or may be declared by the director to be public nuisances by reason of being plant pests, to exist on his or her premises, unless efforts are being made to eradicate the plant pests as may exist, or to sell, offer for sale, give away, or otherwise distribute any plant infected or infested by or with the plant pests.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3547, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 2-16-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-16 - General Plant Pest Act › Section 2-16-5. - Concealment of plants from inspection.

§ 2-16-5. Concealment of plants from inspection.
No person shall cause any concealment of any plants or plant parts from inspection by the director or his or her authorized agents.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3547, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 2-16-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-16 - General Plant Pest Act › Section 2-16-6. - Order to destroy or treat infected plants.

§ 2-16-6. Order to destroy or treat infected plants.
If the director or his or her authorized agent finds on examination any nursery, greenhouse, field or farm crop, forest, small fruit plantation, cemetery, storehouse or elevator, conveyance, or any other private or public premises, or any plant or article on or in the premises to be infected or infested with any seriously injurious insects or plant diseases that would be likely, in the opinion of the director, to endanger adjacent property or the welfare of the agricultural economy of the state, the director may declare the premises, plants, or articles to be a public nuisance, and shall notify the owner or person having charge of the premises, plants, or articles to that effect, in writing, and the owner or person in charge upon receipt of the written notification, shall within a period of time that shall be specified on the written notification by the director, cause the removal and sanitary destruction of all plants, plant products, or articles declared if they cannot be successfully treated, otherwise the owner or person in charge shall cause them to be treated or apply any other remedial measures for the disinfestation, disinfection, control or retardment of the pest on the premises, plant, plant products, or articles as the director may direct. Preventive measures shall be required, and shall be enforced in the same manner on any additional premises in the vicinity of the premises where the plant pest was found as seems necessary in accordance with the judgment of the director.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3547, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 2-16-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-16 - General Plant Pest Act › Section 2-16-7. - Compensation for loss or destruction of infested plants.

§ 2-16-7. Compensation for loss or destruction of infested plants.
No damages shall be awarded to the owner for the loss or destruction of infested or infected plants, plant products, or other articles or reimbursement made for expenses incurred incident to the application of the prescribed preventive or remedial measures. The infected or infested plants, plant products, or articles are a public menace. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as preventing financial assistance to owners where that financial assistance is provided for under specific legislation other than this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3547, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 2-16-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-16 - General Plant Pest Act › Section 2-16-8. - Treatment or destruction by director.

§ 2-16-8. Treatment or destruction by director.
In case the owner or person in charge of the premises refuses or neglects to carry out the orders of the director within the period of time after receipt of written notification specified on the notification by the director, the director may proceed to treat or destroy the infested or infected plants, plant products, or articles or to apply any other necessary preventive or remedial measures. The expense shall be assessed, collected, and enforced as taxes are assessed, collected, and enforced, against the premises upon which the expense was incurred. The amount of the expense, when collected, shall be paid to the director, and by him or her deposited with the treasurer of the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3547, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 2-16-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-16 - General Plant Pest Act › Section 2-16-9. - Destruction or return of infected shipments of plants.

§ 2-16-9. Destruction or return of infected shipments of plants.
If any plants, or parts or products of plants being shipped to or from any point in Rhode Island, whether or not included under the term nursery stock and whether or not accompanied by a certificate of inspection or shipping permit are found to be infected with any living dangerous insect or any contagious disease, the entire shipment is declared to be a public nuisance and is liable to destruction without compensation to the consignor, or may be reshipped to the consignor at the consignor’s expense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3547, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 2-16-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-16 - General Plant Pest Act › Section 2-16-10. - Hearing on quarantine or embargo.

§ 2-16-10. Hearing on quarantine or embargo.
Quarantines or embargoes provided for in subdivisions (4) and (5) of § 2-16-3 shall be established by the director only after a public hearing. Timely announcement of the hearing shall be given to interested persons by mail or by two (2) announcements in newspapers serving the area affected. When in any case, in the opinion of the director, the delay necessary for the holding of the hearing is likely to cause serious harm or would in any way seriously handicap a control program, the director may establish a temporary quarantine, effective immediately and remaining effective for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days, during which thirty (30) day period a hearing shall be announced and held as stated above, and the continuation and maintenance of this quarantine or embargo beyond the thirty (30) day period shall be dependent on the hearing.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3547, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 2-16-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-16 - General Plant Pest Act › Section 2-16-11. - Penalty for violations.

§ 2-16-11. Penalty for violations.
Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter or any rule or order established by the director or who interferes with the director or any of the director’s authorized agents in the performance of the agent’s duties shall, upon conviction, be fined not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200) for each offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3547, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 2-16-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-16 - General Plant Pest Act › Section 2-16-12. - Prosecution of violations.

§ 2-16-12. Prosecution of violations.
All prosecutions of violations under the provisions of this chapter shall be instituted by the director, and shall be directed by him or her, and it is not necessary that he or she enter into recognizance or give surety for costs to prosecute these violations.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3547, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 2-16-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-16 - General Plant Pest Act › Section 2-16-13. - Severability.

§ 2-16-13. Severability.
If any section, sentence, clause, phrase, or other portion of this chapter is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, the decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1955, ch. 3547, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 2-16-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-16.1 - Interstate Pest Control Compact › Section 2-16.1-1. - Short title.

§ 2-16.1-1. Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the “Interstate Pest Control Compact.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 344, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 508, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-16.1 - Interstate Pest Control Compact › Section 2-16.1-3. - Cooperation.

§ 2-16.1-3. Cooperation.
Consistent with law and within available appropriations, the departments, agencies and officers of this state may cooperate with the insurance fund established by the pest control compact.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 344, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 508, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-16.1 - Interstate Pest Control Compact › Section 2-16.1-4. - Filing of bylaws.

§ 2-16.1-4. Filing of bylaws.
Pursuant to Article IV(h) of the compact, copies of bylaws and amendments thereto shall be filed with the secretary of state of Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 344, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 508, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-16.1 - Interstate Pest Control Compact › Section 2-16.1-5. - Compact administrator.

§ 2-16.1-5. Compact administrator.
The compact administrator for this state shall be the director of the department of environmental management. The duties of the compact administrator are deemed a regular part of the duties of the department.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 344, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 508, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-16.1 - Interstate Pest Control Compact › Section 2-16.1-6. - Request for assistance.

§ 2-16.1-6. Request for assistance.
Within the meaning of subdivision (b) of Article VI or subdivision (a) of Article VIII of this compact, a request or application for assistance from the insurance fund may be made by the compact administrator, whenever in his or her judgment the conditions qualifying this state for such assistance exist and it would be in the best interest of this state to make such a request.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 344, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 508, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-16.1 - Interstate Pest Control Compact › Section 2-16.1-7. - Expenditures.

§ 2-16.1-7. Expenditures.
The state department, agency, or officer expending or becoming liable for an expenditure on account of a control or eradication program undertaken or intensified pursuant to the compact shall have credited to his account, in the state treasury, the amount or amounts of any payments made to this state to defray the cost of such program, or any part thereof, or as reimbursement thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 344, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 508, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-16.1 - Interstate Pest Control Compact › Section 2-16.1-8. - Executive head for Rhode Island.

§ 2-16.1-8. Executive head for Rhode Island.
As used in this compact, with reference to this state, the term “executive head” shall mean the governor.
History of Section.
P.L. 2006, ch. 344, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 508, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-17 - Diseases and Parasites › Part 1 - Gypsy and Brown-Tail Moths › Section 2-17-1. - Nuisances.

§ 2-17-1. Nuisances.
The pupae, nests, eggs and caterpillars of the gypsy and brown-tail moths, and these moths, are declared public nuisances, and their suppression is authorized and required. No owner or occupant of an estate infested with those nuisances shall by reason of this infestation be liable to an action, civil or criminal, except to the extent and in the manner and form set forth in this part 1.
History of Section.
P.L. 1908, ch. 1529, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 242, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 285, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 228, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 2-17-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-17 - Diseases and Parasites › Part 1 - Gypsy and Brown-Tail Moths › Section 2-17-2. - Chief entomologist.

§ 2-17-2. Chief entomologist.
The director of environmental management shall appoint, as chief entomologist, some person, qualified by scientific training and practical experience, to superintend the work of suppressing and exterminating the gypsy and brown-tail moths, who is responsible to the director for the performance of his or her work and whose duty it is to suppress the nuisances described in § 2-17-1. The director may remove the chief entomologist at any time, at his or her pleasure, and appoint another chief entomologist in his or her place. The chief entomologist shall report to the director of his or her proceedings, and that report shall be public.
History of Section.
P.L. 1908, ch. 1529, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 242, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 285, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 228, § 2; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 160; G.L. 1956, § 2-17-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-17 - Diseases and Parasites › Part 1 - Gypsy and Brown-Tail Moths › Section 2-17-3. - Powers of director.

§ 2-17-3. Powers of director.
The director of environmental management may make all necessary rules and regulations governing all work done by the chief entomologist to enforce the provision of §§ 2-17-1 — 2-17-8. The director may act in cooperation with any person or persons, corporation or corporations, including other states, the United States or foreign governments. The director may conduct investigations and accumulate and distribute information concerning these moths, may make any rules governing the suppression or extermination of these moths that he or she deems necessary, and, with the approval of the person in charge, may use any real or personal property of the state, may at all times enter upon the land of the state or of a municipality, corporation, or other owner or owners, and may use all reasonable means in carrying out the purposes of §§ 2-17-1 — 2-17-8 and in these undertakings may, in accordance with the provisions of §§ 2-17-1 — 2-17-8 expend the funds appropriated or donated for these purpose.
History of Section.
P.L. 1908, ch. 1529, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 242, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 285, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 228, § 3; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 160; G.L. 1956, § 2-17-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-17 - Diseases and Parasites › Part 1 - Gypsy and Brown-Tail Moths › Section 2-17-4. - Appropriations and expenses.

§ 2-17-4. Appropriations and expenses.
To meet the expenses incurred under the authority of §§ 2-17-1 — 2-17-8 there shall be allowed and paid out of the treasury of the state any sum that the general assembly may annually appropriate, to be expended under the direction of the director of environmental management, from time to time, upon vouchers approved by the director.
History of Section.
P.L. 1908, ch. 1529, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 242, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 285, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 228, § 4; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 160; G.L. 1956, § 2-17-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-17 - Diseases and Parasites › Part 1 - Gypsy and Brown-Tail Moths › Section 2-17-5. - Importation or transportation of infestation.

§ 2-17-5. Importation or transportation of infestation.
No imagos, eggs, caterpillars, or pupae of the gypsy or brown-tail moths, and no lumber (new or old), wood, posts, shrubs, trees, or branches, stone or rubbish, nor any material which by reason of having been exposed to infestation is liable to carry the live eggs, imagos, caterpillars, or pupae of the moths, shall knowingly be imported into the state, nor be transported from place to place within the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1908, ch. 1529, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 242, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 285, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 228, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 2-17-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-17 - Diseases and Parasites › Part 1 - Gypsy and Brown-Tail Moths › Section 2-17-6. - Local appropriations.

§ 2-17-6. Local appropriations.
Any town or city may make any appropriation that it deems necessary for the suppression of the nuisances within its limits, and may appoint an official, with any powers and limitations that it shall prescribe, to expend the appropriation in cooperation with the chief entomologist appointed by the director of environmental management.
History of Section.
P.L. 1908, ch. 1529, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 242, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 285, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 228, § 6; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 160; G.L. 1956, § 2-17-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-17 - Diseases and Parasites › Part 1 - Gypsy and Brown-Tail Moths › Section 2-17-7. - Obstructions — Violations.

§ 2-17-7. Obstructions — Violations.
Any person who wilfully resists or obstructs either the chief entomologist or any official of a city or town, or a servant or agent appointed by the chief entomologist or by any other officials, while lawfully engaged in the execution of the purposes of §§ 2-17-1 — 2-17-8 or who violates the provisions of § 2-17-5, is deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not exceeding twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1908, ch. 1529, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 242, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 285, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 228, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 2-17-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-17 - Diseases and Parasites › Part 1 - Gypsy and Brown-Tail Moths › Section 2-17-8. - Willful transportation of infestation.

§ 2-17-8. Willful transportation of infestation.
Any person willfully importing into this state, or willfully transporting from place to place within this state, any imagos, eggs, caterpillars, or pupae of the moths shall be fined not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) and be imprisoned for not more than one year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1908, ch. 1529, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 242, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 285, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 228, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 2-17-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-17 - Diseases and Parasites › Part 2 - White Pine Blister Rust › Section 2-17-9. - Nuisance.

§ 2-17-9. Nuisance.
The white pine blister rust, a disease of five (5) needle pines and the species of the genus ribes, is declared to be a public nuisance, and its suppression is authorized and required. No owner or occupant of an estate infested with that nuisance is by reason of that infestation liable to an action, civil or criminal, except to the extent and in the manner and form set forth in this part 2.
History of Section.
P.L. 1917, ch. 1540, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 286, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 229, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 2-17-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-17 - Diseases and Parasites › Part 2 - White Pine Blister Rust › Section 2-17-10. - Powers of director.

§ 2-17-10. Powers of director.
The department of environmental management shall take steps to suppress the nuisance described in § 2-17-9 and to this end the director of that department may make all necessary rules and regulations governing all work done under the provisions of §§ 2-17-9 — 2-17-16. The director may act in cooperation with any person or persons, corporation or corporations, including other states, or the United States, may make any rules governing the suppression or extermination of the disease, including the destruction of diseased or exposed species of five (5) leaved pines and the diseased or exposed species of the genus ribes, that he or she may deem necessary, may at all times enter upon the land of the state or of a municipality, corporation, or other owner or owners, and may use all reasonable means in carrying out the purposes of §§ 2-17-9 — 2-17-16 and in those undertakings, may, in accordance with the provisions of those sections, expend the funds appropriated for these purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1917, ch. 1540, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 286, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 229, § 2; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 160; G.L. 1956, § 2-17-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 2 - Agriculture and Forestry › Chapter 2-17 - Diseases and Parasites › Part 2 - White Pine Blister Rust › Section 2-17-11. - Rules as to transportation and planting.

§ 2-17-11. Rules as to transportation and planting.
The director of environmental management shall make any rules and regulations that he or she may deem expedient in combatting the disease with reference to the transportation of five (5) leaved pine trees and species of the genus ribes, or wood, lumber or other material derived from those trees, or shrubs, or in regard to the planting of those trees or shrubs.
History of Section.
P.L. 1917, ch. 1540, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 286, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 229, § 3; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 160; G.L. 1956, § 2-17-11.