reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.06 - Intercounty Weed Districts. › 17.06.010 - Definitions.

RCW 17.06.010
Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise, "principal board of county commissioners", "principal county treasurer", and "principal county auditor" mean respectively those in the county of that part of the proposed intercounty weed district in which the greatest amount of acreage is located.
[ 1959 c 205 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.06 - Intercounty Weed Districts. › 17.06.020 - Intercounty weed districts authorized.

RCW 17.06.020
Intercounty weed districts authorized.
An intercounty weed district, including all or any part of two counties or more, may be created for the purposes set forth in RCW 17.04.010 by the joint action of the boards of county commissioners of the counties in which any portion of the proposed district is located.
[ 1959 c 205 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.06 - Intercounty Weed Districts. › 17.06.030 - Petition for formation—Notice of hearing.

RCW 17.06.030
Petition for formation—Notice of hearing.
Any one or more freeholders owning more than fifty percent of the acreage desired to be included within the proposed intercounty weed district may file a petition with the principal board of county commissioners praying that their land be included, either separately or with other lands included in the petition, in a weed district to be formed for the purpose of destroying, preventing or exterminating any one or all such weeds, or that such lands be included within a district already formed, or a new district or districts to be formed out of any district or districts then existing. Such petition shall state the boundaries of the proposed district, the approximate number of acres in the proposed district, the particular weed or weeds to be destroyed, prevented or exterminated, the general method or means to be used in such work, and shall contain a list of all known landowners within the proposed district, together with the addresses of such landowners. Upon the filing of such petition the principal board of county commissioners shall notify the other boards of commissioners, shall arrange a time for a joint hearing on the petition, and shall give at least thirty days' notice of the time and place of such hearing by posting copies of such notice in three conspicuous places within the proposed district, and at the main entrance to the courthouse of each county, and by mailing a copy of such notice to each of the landowners named in the petition at the address named therein. If any of the land described in the petition be owned by the state a copy thereof shall be mailed to the department of natural resources at Olympia.
[ 1988 c 128 § 5; 1959 c 205 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.06 - Intercounty Weed Districts. › 17.06.040 - Hearing—Boundaries—Order of establishment.

RCW 17.06.040
Hearing—Boundaries—Order of establishment.
At the time and place fixed for such hearing, with the chair of the principal board acting as chair, the respective boards shall determine by a majority vote of each of the boards of county commissioners of the counties whether such intercounty weed district shall be created, and if they determine that such district shall be created, the respective boards shall fix the boundaries of the portion of the proposed district within their respective counties, but they shall not modify the purposes of the petition with respect to the weed or weeds to be destroyed, prevented, and exterminated as set forth in the petition, and they shall not enlarge the boundary of the proposed district, or enlarge or change the boundary or boundaries of any district or districts already formed without first giving notice, as provided in RCW 17.06.030, to all landowners interested. If the respective bodies shall determine that the weed district petitioned for shall be created each such board shall thereupon enter an order establishing and defining the boundary lines of the proposed district within its respective county. A number shall be assigned to such weed district which shall be the lowest number not already taken or adopted by an intercounty weed district in the state, and thereafter such district shall be known as "weed district No. . . . .", inserting in the blank the number of the district.
If any county represented does not by a majority vote of its board of commissioners support the petition for an intercounty district, the petition shall be dismissed.
[ 2011 c 336 § 453; 1959 c 205 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.06 - Intercounty Weed Districts. › 17.06.060 - Directors powers and duties—Taxation—Treasurer—Costs.

RCW 17.06.060
Directors powers and duties—Taxation—Treasurer—Costs.
The board of directors of an intercounty weed district shall have the same powers and duties as the board of directors of a weed district located entirely within one county, and all the provisions of chapter 17.04 RCW are hereby made applicable to intercounty weed districts: PROVIDED, That in the case of evaluation, assessment, collection, apportionment, and any other allied power or duty relating to taxes in connection with the district, the action shall be performed by the officer or board of the county for that area of the district which is located within his or her respective county, and all materials, information, and other data and all moneys collected shall be submitted to the proper officer of the county of that part of the district in which the greatest amount of acreage is located. Any power which may be or duty which shall be performed in connection therewith shall be performed by the officer or board receiving such as though only a district in a single county were concerned. All moneys collected from such area constituting a part of such district that should be paid to such district shall be delivered to the principal county treasurer who shall be ex officio treasurer of such district. All other materials, information, or data relating to the district shall be submitted to the district board of directors.
Any costs or expenses incurred under this section shall be borne proportionately by each county involved.
[ 2011 c 336 § 455; 1959 c 205 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.06 - Intercounty Weed Districts. › 17.06.070 - Actions of county officers—Costs.

RCW 17.06.070
Actions of county officers—Costs.
Whenever any action is required or may be performed by any county officer or board for all purposes essential to the maintenance, operation, and administration of the district, such action shall be performed by the respective officer or board of the county of that part of the district in which the greatest amount of acreage of the district is located.
All costs incurred shall be borne proportionately by each county in that ratio which the amount of acreage of the district located in that part of each county forming a part of the district bears to the total amount of acreage located in the whole district.
[ 1959 c 205 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.007 - Purpose—Construction—1975 1st ex.s. c 13.

RCW 17.10.007
Purpose—Construction—1975 1st ex.s. c 13.
The purpose of this chapter is to limit economic loss and adverse effects to Washington's agricultural, natural, and human resources due to the presence and spread of noxious weeds on all terrestrial and aquatic areas in the state.
The intent of the legislature is that this chapter be liberally construed, and that the jurisdiction, powers, and duties granted to the county noxious weed control boards by this chapter are limited only by specific provisions of this chapter or other state and federal law.
[ 1997 c 353 § 1; 1975 1st ex.s. c 13 § 17. Formerly RCW 17.10.905.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.020 - County noxious weed control boards—Created—Jurisdiction—Inactive status.

RCW 17.10.020
County noxious weed control boards—Created—Jurisdiction—Inactive status.
(1) In each county of the state there is created a noxious weed control board, bearing the name of the county within which it is located. The jurisdictional boundaries of each board are the boundaries of the county within which it is located.
(2) Each noxious weed control board is inactive until activated pursuant to the provisions of RCW 17.10.040.
[ 1997 c 353 § 3; 1969 ex.s. c 113 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.030 - State noxious weed control board—Members—Terms—Elections—Meetings—Reimbursement for travel expenses.

RCW 17.10.030
State noxious weed control board—Members—Terms—Elections—Meetings—Reimbursement for travel expenses.
There is created a state noxious weed control board comprised of nine voting members and four nonvoting members. Four of the voting members shall be elected by the members of the various activated county noxious weed control boards, and shall be residents of a county in which a county noxious weed control board has been activated and a member of said board, and those qualifications shall continue through their term of office. Two of these members shall be elected from the west side of the state, the crest of the Cascades being the dividing line, and two from the east side of the state. The director of agriculture is a voting member of the board. One voting member shall be elected by the directors of the various active weed districts formed under chapter 17.04 or 17.06 RCW. The Washington state association of counties appoints one voting member who shall be a member of a county legislative authority. A statewide association representing county noxious weed coordinators appoints a nonvoting technical advisor. The director shall appoint two voting members to represent the public interest, one from the west side and one from the east side of the state. The director shall also appoint three nonvoting members representing scientific disciplines relating to weed control. The term of office for all members of the board is four years from the date of election or appointment.
The board, by rule, shall establish a position number for each elected position of the board and shall designate which county noxious weed control board members are eligible to vote for each elected position. The elected members serve staggered terms. Elections for the elected members of the board shall be held thirty days prior to the expiration date of their respective terms. Nominations and elections shall be by mail and conducted by the board.
The board shall conduct its first meeting within thirty days after all its members have been elected. The board shall elect from its members a chair and other officers as may be necessary. A majority of the voting members of the board constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business and is necessary for any action taken by the board. The members of the board serve without salary, but shall be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties under this chapter in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
[ 2021 c 217 § 2; 1997 c 353 § 4; 1987 c 438 § 2; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34 § 23; 1969 ex.s. c 113 § 3.]
NOTES:
Effective date—Severability—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 34: See notes following RCW 2.08.115.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.040 - Activation of inactive county noxious weed control board.

RCW 17.10.040
Activation of inactive county noxious weed control board.
An inactive county noxious weed control board may be activated by any one of the following methods:
(1) Either within sixty days after a petition is filed by one hundred registered voters within the county or, on its own motion, the county legislative authority shall hold a hearing to determine whether there is a need, due to a damaging infestation of noxious weeds, to activate the county noxious weed control board. If such a need is found to exist, then the county legislative authority shall, in the manner provided by RCW 17.10.050, appoint five persons to the county's noxious weed control board.
(2) If the county's noxious weed control board is not activated within one year following a hearing by the county legislative authority to determine the need for activation, then upon the filing with the state noxious weed control board of a petition comprised either of the signatures of at least two hundred registered voters within the county, or of the signatures of a majority of an adjacent county's noxious weed control board, the state board shall, within six months of the date of the filing, hold a hearing in the county to determine the need for activation. If a need for activation is found to exist, then the state board shall order the county legislative authority to activate the county's noxious weed control board and to appoint members to the board in the manner provided by RCW 17.10.050.
(3) The director, upon request of the state noxious weed control board, shall order a county legislative authority to activate the noxious weed control board immediately if an infestation of a class A noxious weed or class B noxious weed designated for control on the state noxious weed list is confirmed in that county. The county legislative authority may, as an alternative to activating the noxious weed board, combat the class A noxious weed or class B noxious weed with county resources and personnel operating with the authorities and responsibilities imposed by this chapter on a county noxious weed control board. No county may continue without a noxious weed control board for a second consecutive year if the class A noxious weed or class B noxious weed has not been eradicated.
[ 1997 c 353 § 5; 1987 c 438 § 3; 1975 1st ex.s. c 13 § 2; 1969 ex.s. c 113 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.060 - Activated county noxious weed control board—Weed coordinator—Authority—Rules and regulations.

RCW 17.10.060
Activated county noxious weed control board—Weed coordinator—Authority—Rules and regulations.
(1) Each activated county noxious weed control board must employ or otherwise provide a weed coordinator whose duties are fixed by the board but which shall include inspecting land to determine the presence of noxious weeds, offering technical assistance and education, and developing a program to achieve compliance with the weed law. The weed coordinator may be employed full time, part time, or seasonally by the county noxious weed control board. County weed board employment practices shall comply with county personnel policies. Within sixty days from initial employment, the weed coordinator must obtain licensure consistent with Washington state department of agriculture pesticide license rules, and the necessary endorsements on the licenses as required by law. Each board may purchase, rent, or lease equipment, facilities, or products and may hire additional persons as it deems necessary for the administration of the county's noxious weed control program.
(2) Each activated county noxious weed control board has the power to adopt rules and regulations, subject to notice and hearing as provided in chapter 42.30 RCW, as are necessary for an effective county weed control or eradication program.
(3) Each activated county noxious weed control board shall meet with a quorum at least quarterly.
[ 2021 c 217 § 4; 1997 c 353 § 7; 1987 c 438 § 5; 1969 ex.s. c 113 § 6.]
NOTES:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.070 - State noxious weed control board—Powers—Report.

RCW 17.10.070
State noxious weed control board—Powers—Report.
(1) In addition to the powers conferred on the state noxious weed control board under other provisions of this chapter, it has the power to:
(a) Employ a state noxious weed control board executive secretary and educational specialist, and additional persons as it deems necessary, to disseminate information relating to noxious weeds to county noxious weed control boards and weed districts, to coordinate the educational and weed control efforts of the various county and regional noxious weed control boards and weed districts, and to assist the board in carrying out its responsibilities;
(b) Adopt, amend, or repeal rules, pursuant to the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW, as may be necessary to carry out the duties and authorities assigned to the board by this chapter.
(2) The state noxious weed control board must provide a written report before January 1st of each odd-numbered year to the county noxious weed control boards and the weed districts showing the expenditure of state funds on noxious weed control; specifically how the funds were spent; the status of the state, county, and district programs; and recommendations for the continued best use of state funds for noxious weed control. The report must include recommendations as to the long-term needs regarding weed control.
[ 2021 c 217 § 5; 1998 c 245 § 3; 1997 c 353 § 8; 1987 c 438 § 6; 1975 1st ex.s. c 13 § 4; 1969 ex.s. c 113 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.080 - State noxious weed list—Hearing—Adoption—Guidelines for placing plants on the list—Dissemination.

RCW 17.10.080
State noxious weed list—Hearing—Adoption—Guidelines for placing plants on the list—Dissemination.
(1) The state noxious weed control board shall each year or more often, following a hearing, adopt a state noxious weed list.
(2) The state noxious weed control board shall adopt guidelines by rule for placing plants on the state noxious weed list. These guidelines must include criteria for reconsideration of proposed new species that were not adopted by the state noxious weed control board, including the need for the board to be presented with additional data from scientific sources regarding any invasive and noxious qualities of the species and from existing positive economic benefits before taking any action.
(3) Any person may request during a comment period established by the state noxious weed control board the inclusion, deletion, or designation change of any plant to the state noxious weed list.
(4) The state noxious weed control board shall send a copy of the list to each activated county noxious weed control board, to each weed district, and to the county legislative authority of each county with an inactive noxious weed control board.
(5) The record of rule making must include the written findings of the board for the inclusion of each plant on the list. The findings shall be made available upon request to any interested person.
[ 2011 c 126 § 1; 1997 c 353 § 10; 1989 c 175 § 57; 1987 c 438 § 8; 1975 1st ex.s. c 13 § 5; 1969 ex.s. c 113 § 8.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.090 - State noxious weed list—Selection of weeds for control by county board.

RCW 17.10.090
State noxious weed list—Selection of weeds for control by county board.
(1) Each county noxious weed control board shall, within ninety days of the adoption of the state noxious weed list from the state noxious weed control board and following a hearing, select those weeds from the class C list and those weeds from the class B list not designated for control in the noxious weed control region in which the county lies that it finds necessary to be controlled in the county.
(2) The weeds thus selected and all class A weeds and those class B weeds that have been designated for control in the noxious weed control region in which the county lies shall be classified within that county as noxious weeds, and those weeds comprise the county noxious weed list.
(3) Nothing in this chapter limits a county noxious weed control board, or other branch of county or city government, from conducting education, outreach, or other assistance regarding plant species not included on the state noxious weed list if the county or city determines that the plant species causes localized risk or concern.
[ 2011 c 126 § 2; 1997 c 353 § 11; 1987 c 438 § 9; 1969 ex.s. c 113 § 9.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.100 - Order to county board to include weed from state board's list in county's noxious weed list.

RCW 17.10.100
Order to county board to include weed from state board's list in county's noxious weed list.
Where any of the following occur, the state noxious weed control board must hold a hearing, then may order any county noxious weed control board or weed district to include a noxious weed from the state board's list in the county's noxious weed list:
(1) Where the state noxious weed control board receives a petition from at least one hundred registered voters within the county requesting that the weed be listed.
(2) Where the state noxious weed control board receives a request for inclusion from an adjacent county's noxious weed control board or weed district, which the adjacent board or district has included that weed in its county or district list, and the adjacent board or weed district documents that its noxious weed control program is being hampered by the failure to include the weed on the county's noxious weed list.
[ 2021 c 217 § 7; 1997 c 353 § 12; 1987 c 438 § 10; 1969 ex.s. c 113 § 10.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.110 - Regional noxious weed control board—Creation.

RCW 17.10.110
Regional noxious weed control board—Creation.
A regional noxious weed control board comprising the area of two or more counties may be created as follows:
Either the county legislative authority, or the noxious weed control board, or both, of two or more counties may, upon a determination that the purpose of this chapter will be served by the creation of a regional noxious weed control board, adopt a resolution providing for a limited merger of the functions of their respective counties noxious weed control boards. The resolution becomes effective only when a similar resolution is adopted by the other county or counties comprising the proposed regional board.
[ 1997 c 353 § 13; 1987 c 438 § 11; 1975 1st ex.s. c 13 § 6; 1969 ex.s. c 113 § 11.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.120 - Regional noxious weed control board—Members—Meetings—Quorum—Officers—Effect on county boards.

RCW 17.10.120
Regional noxious weed control board—Members—Meetings—Quorum—Officers—Effect on county boards.
In any case where a regional noxious weed control board is created, the county noxious weed control boards comprising the regional board shall still remain in existence and shall retain all powers and duties provided for the boards under this chapter.
The regional noxious weed control board is comprised of the voting members and the nonvoting members of the component counties noxious weed control boards or county legislative authorities who shall, respectively, be the voting and nonvoting members of the regional board: PROVIDED, That each county shall have an equal number of voting members. The board may appoint other nonvoting members as deemed necessary. A majority of the voting members of the board constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business and is necessary for any action taken by the board. The board shall elect a chair from its members and other officers as may be necessary. Members of the regional board serve without salary but shall be compensated for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.
[ 1997 c 353 § 14; 1987 c 438 § 12; 1969 ex.s. c 113 § 12.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.130 - Regional noxious weed control board—Powers and duties.

RCW 17.10.130
Regional noxious weed control board—Powers and duties.
The powers and duties of a regional noxious weed control board are as follows:
(1) The regional board shall, within ninety days of the adoption of the state noxious weed list from the state noxious weed control board and following a hearing, select those weeds from the state list that it finds necessary to be controlled on a regional basis. The weeds thus selected shall also be contained in the county noxious weed list of each county in the region.
(2) The regional board shall take action as may be necessary to coordinate the noxious weed control programs of the region and adopt a regional plan for the control of noxious weeds.
[ 1997 c 353 § 15; 1987 c 438 § 13; 1969 ex.s. c 113 § 13.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.134 - Liability of county and regional noxious weed control boards.

RCW 17.10.134
Liability of county and regional noxious weed control boards.
Obligations or liabilities incurred by any county or regional noxious weed control board or any claims against a county or regional noxious weed control board are governed by chapter 4.96 RCW or RCW 4.08.120: PROVIDED, That individual members or employees of a county noxious weed control board are personally immune from civil liability for damages arising from actions performed within the scope of their official duties or employment.
[ 1997 c 353 § 16; 1987 c 438 § 14.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.140 - Owner's duty to control spread of noxious weeds.

RCW 17.10.140
Owner's duty to control spread of noxious weeds.
(1) Except as is provided under subsection (2) of this section, every owner must perform or cause to be performed those acts as may be necessary to:
(a) Eradicate all class A noxious weeds;
(b) Control and prevent the spread of all class B noxious weeds designated for control in that region within and from the owner's property; and
(c) Control and prevent the spread of all class B and class C noxious weeds listed on the county weed list as locally mandated control priorities within and from the owner's property.
(2) Every owner of forestlands classified under RCW 17.10.240(2), or meeting the definition of forestlands contained in RCW 17.10.240, must perform or cause to be performed those acts as may be necessary to:
(a) Eradicate all class A noxious weeds;
(b) Control and prevent the spread of all class B noxious weeds designated for control in that region within and from the owner's property; and
(c) Control and prevent the spread of all class B and class C noxious weeds listed on the county weed list as locally mandated control priorities within and from the owner's property only when encountered in any of the following enumerated circumstances:
(i) Within 1,000 feet of adjacent land uses;
(ii) Within 25 feet of all privately owned roads unless properly abandoned as defined under WAC 222-24-052 as that section existed as of January 1, 2020;
(iii) Within 200 feet of navigable rivers, gravel pits, log yards, and staging areas, except when not allowed under other state or federal laws or regulations; and
(iv) For a single five-year period within harvested areas following the harvesting of trees for products.
[ 2021 c 217 § 8; 1997 c 353 § 17; 1969 ex.s. c 113 § 14.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.145 - State agencies' duty to control spread of noxious weeds—Replacement of noxious weeds with native forage plants that are beneficial to pollinators.

RCW 17.10.145
State agencies' duty to control spread of noxious weeds—Replacement of noxious weeds with native forage plants that are beneficial to pollinators.
(1) All state agencies shall control noxious weeds on lands they own, lease, or otherwise control through integrated pest management practices. Agencies shall develop plans in cooperation with county noxious weed control boards to control noxious weeds in accordance with standards in this chapter. Agencies shall appoint a liaison whose duties include serving as a common point of contact for all weed boards and developing and implementing noxious weed control plans.
(2) All state agencies' lands must comply with this chapter, regardless of noxious weed control efforts on adjacent lands.
(3) While conducting planned projects to ensure compliance with this chapter, all agencies must give preference, when deemed appropriate by the acting agency for the project and targeted resource management goals, to replacing noxious weeds with native forage plants that are pollen-rich or nectar-rich and beneficial for all pollinators, including honey bees.
[ 2021 c 217 § 9; 2019 c 353 § 4; 2016 c 44 § 2; 1997 c 353 § 18; 1995 c 374 § 75.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2019 c 353: See note following RCW 43.23.300.
Effective date—1995 c 374 §§ 69, 70, and 72-79: See note following RCW 16.24.130.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.154 - Owners' agreements with county noxious weed control boards—Terms—Enforcement.

RCW 17.10.154
Owners' agreements with county noxious weed control boards—Terms—Enforcement.
It is recognized that the prevention, control, and eradication of noxious weeds presents a problem for immediate as well as for future action. It is further recognized that immediate prevention, control, and eradication is practicable on some lands and that prevention, control, and eradication on other lands should be extended over a period of time. Therefore, it is the intent of this chapter that county noxious weed control boards may use their discretion and, by agreement with the owners of land, may propose and accept plans for prevention, control, and eradication that may be extended over a period of years. The county noxious weed control board may make an agreement with the owner of any parcel of land by contract between the landowner and the respective county noxious weed control board, and the board shall enforce the terms of any agreement. The county noxious weed control board may make any terms that will best serve the interests of the owners of the parcel of land and the common welfare that comply with this chapter. Agreements made under this section must include at least a one thousand foot buffer for all adjacent agricultural land uses. Noxious weed control in this buffer must comply with RCW 17.10.140(1).
[ 1997 c 353 § 19; 1987 c 438 § 16.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.160 - Right of entry—Warrant for noxious weed search—Civil liability—Penalty for preventing entry.

RCW 17.10.160
Right of entry—Warrant for noxious weed search—Civil liability—Penalty for preventing entry.
Any authorized agent or employee of the county noxious weed control board or of the state noxious weed control board or of the department of agriculture where not otherwise proscribed by law may enter upon any property for the purpose of administering this chapter and any power exercisable pursuant thereto, including the taking of specimens of weeds, general inspection, and the performance of eradication or control work. Prior to carrying out the purpose for which the entry is made, the official making such entry or someone in his or her behalf, shall make a reasonable attempt to notify the owner of the property as to the purpose and need for the entry.
(1) When there is probable cause to believe that there is property within this state not otherwise exempt from process or execution upon which noxious weeds are standing or growing and the owner refuses permission to inspect the property, a judge of the superior court or district court in the county in which the property is located may, upon the request of the county noxious weed control board or its agent, issue a warrant directed to the board or agent authorizing the taking of specimens of weeds or other materials, general inspection, and the performance of eradication or control work.
(2) Application for issuance and execution and return of the warrant authorized by this section shall be in accordance with the applicable rules of the superior court or the district courts.
(3) Nothing in this section requires the application for and issuance of any warrant not otherwise required by law: PROVIDED, That civil liability for negligence shall lie in any case in which entry and any of the activities connected therewith are not undertaken with reasonable care.
(4) Any person who improperly prevents or threatens to prevent entry upon land as authorized in this section or any person who interferes with the carrying out of this chapter shall be upon conviction guilty of a misdemeanor.
[ 1997 c 353 § 20; 1987 c 438 § 17; 1969 ex.s. c 113 § 16.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.180 - Hearing on liability for expense of control—Notice—Review.

RCW 17.10.180
Hearing on liability for expense of control—Notice—Review.
Any owner, upon request pursuant to the rules and regulation of the county noxious weed control board, is entitled to a hearing before the board on any charge or cost for which the owner is alleged to be liable pursuant to RCW 17.10.170 or 17.10.210. The board shall send notice by certified mail within thirty days, to each owner at the owner's last known address, as to any charge or cost and as to his or her right of a hearing. The hearing shall be scheduled within forty-five days of notification. Any determination or final action by the board is subject to judicial review by a proceeding in the superior court in the county in which the property is located, and the court has original jurisdiction to determine any suit brought by the owner to recover damages allegedly suffered on account of control work negligently performed: PROVIDED, That no stay or injunction shall lie to delay any control work subsequent to notice given pursuant to RCW 17.10.160 or pursuant to an order under RCW 17.10.210.
[ 1997 c 353 § 22; 1987 c 438 § 19; 1969 ex.s. c 113 § 18.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.190 - Notice and information as to noxious weed control.

RCW 17.10.190
Notice and information as to noxious weed control.
Each activated county noxious weed control board must publish annually, and at other times as may be appropriate, in at least one newspaper of general circulation within its area, a general notice. The notice shall direct attention to the need for noxious weed control and give other information concerning noxious weed control requirements as may be appropriate, or indicate where such information may be secured. In addition to the general notice required, the county noxious weed control board may use any appropriate media for the dissemination of information to the public as may be calculated to bring the need for noxious weed control to the attention of owners. The board may consult with individual owners concerning their problems of noxious weed control and may provide them with information and advice, including giving specific instructions and methods when and how certain named weeds are to be controlled. The methods may include some combination of physical, mechanical, cultural, chemical, and/or biological methods, including livestock. Publication of a notice as required by this section is not a condition precedent to the enforcement of this chapter.
[ 1997 c 353 § 23; 1987 c 438 § 20; 1975 1st ex.s. c 13 § 9; 1969 ex.s. c 113 § 19.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.201 - Noxious weed control on federal and tribal lands—State and county cooperation.

RCW 17.10.201
Noxious weed control on federal and tribal lands—State and county cooperation.
(1) The state noxious weed control board shall:
(a) Work with the various federal and tribal land management agencies to coordinate state and federal noxious weed control;
(b) Encourage the various federal and tribal land management agencies to devote more time and resources to noxious weed control; and
(c) Assist the various federal and tribal land management agencies by seeking adequate funding for noxious weed control.
(2) County noxious weed control boards and weed districts shall work with the various federal and tribal land management agencies in each county in order to:
(a) Identify new noxious weed infestations;
(b) Outline and plan necessary noxious weed control actions;
(c) Develop coordinated noxious weed control programs; and
(d) Notify local federal and tribal agency land managers of noxious weed infestations.
(3) The department of agriculture, county noxious weed control boards, and weed districts are authorized to enter federal lands, with the approval of the appropriate federal agency, to survey for and control noxious weeds where control measures of a type and extent required under this chapter have not been taken.
(4) The department of agriculture, county noxious weed control boards, and weed districts may bill the federal land management agency that manages the land for all costs of the noxious weed control performed on federal land. If not paid by the federal agency that manages the land, the cost of the noxious weed control on federal land may be paid from any funds available to the county noxious weed control board or weed district that performed the noxious weed control. Alternatively, the costs of noxious weed control on federal land may be paid from any funds specifically appropriated to the department of agriculture for that purpose.
(5) The department of agriculture, county noxious weed control boards, and weed districts are authorized to enter into any reasonable agreement with the appropriate authorities for the control of noxious weeds on federal or tribal lands.
(6) The department of agriculture, county noxious weed control boards, and weed districts shall consult with state agencies managing federal land concerning noxious weed infestation and control programs.
[ 1997 c 353 § 34.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.205 - Control of noxious weeds in open areas.

RCW 17.10.205
Control of noxious weeds in open areas.
Open areas subject to the spread of noxious weeds, including but not limited to subdivisions, school grounds, playgrounds, parks, and rights-of-way shall be subject to regulation in the same manner and to the same extent as is provided for all terrestrial and aquatic lands of the state.
[ 2021 c 217 § 10; 1997 c 353 § 24; 1975 1st ex.s. c 13 § 16.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.210 - Quarantine of land—Order—Expense.

RCW 17.10.210
Quarantine of land—Order—Expense.
(1) Whenever the director, the county noxious weed control board, or a weed district finds that a parcel of land is so seriously infested with class A or class B noxious weeds that control measures cannot be undertaken thereon without quarantining the land and restricting or denying access thereto or use thereof, the director, the county noxious weed control board, or weed district, with the approval of the director of the department of agriculture, may issue an order for the quarantine and restriction or denial of access or use. Upon issuance of the order, the director, the county noxious weed control board, or the weed district shall commence necessary control measures and may institute legal action for the collection of costs for control work, which may include attorneys' fees and the costs of other appropriate actions.
(2) An order of quarantine shall be served, by any method sufficient for the service of civil process, on all persons known to qualify as owners of the land within the meaning of this chapter.
(3) The director shall, with the advice of the state noxious weed control board, determine how the expense of control work undertaken pursuant to this section, and the cost of any quarantine in connection therewith, is apportioned.
[ 1997 c 353 § 25; 1987 c 438 § 22; 1969 ex.s. c 113 § 21.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.230 - Violations—Penalty.

RCW 17.10.230
Violations—Penalty.
Any owner knowing of the existence of any noxious weeds on the owner's land who fails to control such weeds in accordance with this chapter and rules and regulations in force pursuant thereto; or any person who enters upon any land in violation of an order in force pursuant to RCW 17.10.210; or any person who interferes with the carrying out of the provisions of this chapter has committed a civil infraction.
[ 1987 c 438 § 23; 1979 c 118 § 2; 1969 ex.s. c 113 § 23.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.235 - Selling product, article, or feed containing noxious weed seeds or toxic weeds—Penalty—Rules—Inspections—Fees.

RCW 17.10.235
Selling product, article, or feed containing noxious weed seeds or toxic weeds—Penalty—Rules—Inspections—Fees.
(1) The director of agriculture shall adopt, with the advice of the state noxious weed control board, rules designating noxious weed seeds which shall be controlled in products, screenings, or articles to prevent the spread of noxious weeds. The rules shall identify the products, screenings, and articles in which the seeds must be controlled and the maximum amount of the seed to be permitted in the product, screenings, or article to avoid a hazard of spreading the noxious weed by seed from the product, screenings, or article. The director shall also adopt, with the advice of the state board, rules designating toxic weeds which shall be controlled in feed stuffs and screenings to prevent injury to the animal that consumes the feed. The rules shall identify the feed stuffs and screenings in which the toxic weeds must be controlled and the maximum amount of the toxic weed to be permitted in the feed. Rules developed under this section shall identify ways that products, screenings, articles, or feed stuffs containing noxious weed seeds or toxic weeds can be made available for beneficial uses.
(2) Any person who knowingly or negligently sells or otherwise distributes a product, article, screenings, or feed stuff designated by rule containing noxious weed seeds or toxic weeds designated for control by rule and in an amount greater than the amount established by the director for the seed or weed by rule is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(3) The department of agriculture shall, upon request of the buyer, county weed board, or weed district, inspect products, screenings, articles, or feed stuffs designated by rule and charge fees, in accordance with chapter 22.09 RCW, to determine the presence of designated noxious weed seeds or toxic weeds.
[ 2021 c 217 § 11; 1997 c 353 § 26; 1987 c 438 § 30; 1979 c 118 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.250 - Applications for noxious weed control funds.

RCW 17.10.250
Applications for noxious weed control funds.
The legislative authority of any county with an activated noxious weed control board or the board of any weed district may apply to the director for noxious weed control funds when informed by the director that funds are available. Any applicant must employ adequate administrative personnel to supervise an effective weed control program as determined by the director with advice from the state noxious weed control board. The director with advice from the state noxious weed control board shall adopt rules on the distribution and use of noxious weed control account funds.
[ 1997 c 353 § 28; 1987 c 438 § 32; 1975 1st ex.s. c 13 § 11; 1969 ex.s. c 113 § 25.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.260 - Administrative powers to be exercised in conformity with administrative procedure act—Use of weed control substances subject to other acts.

RCW 17.10.260
Administrative powers to be exercised in conformity with administrative procedure act—Use of weed control substances subject to other acts.
The administrative powers granted under this chapter to the director of the department of agriculture and to the state noxious weed control board shall be exercised in conformity with the provisions of the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW, as now or hereafter amended. The use of any substance to control noxious weeds shall be subject to the provisions of the water pollution control act, chapter 90.48 RCW, as now or hereafter amended, the Washington pesticide control act, chapter 15.58 RCW, and the Washington pesticide application act, chapter 17.21 RCW.
[ 1987 c 438 § 33; 1969 ex.s. c 113 § 28.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.270 - Noxious weed control boards—Authority to obtain insurance or surety bonds.

RCW 17.10.270
Noxious weed control boards—Authority to obtain insurance or surety bonds.
Each noxious weed control board may obtain such insurance or surety bonds, or both with such limits as they may deem reasonable for the purpose of protecting their officials and employees against liability for personal or bodily injuries and property damage arising from their acts or omissions while performing or in good faith purporting to perform their official duties.
[ 1987 c 438 § 34; 1974 ex.s. c 143 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 17 - Weeds, Rodents, and Pests › Chapter 17.10 - Noxious Weeds—Control Boards. › 17.10.280 - Lien for labor, material, equipment used in controlling noxious weeds.

RCW 17.10.280
Lien for labor, material, equipment used in controlling noxious weeds.
Every activated county noxious weed control board performing labor, furnishing material, or renting, leasing, or otherwise supplying equipment, to be used in the control of noxious weeds, or in causing control of noxious weeds, upon any property pursuant to the provisions of chapter 17.10 RCW has a lien upon such property for the labor performed, material furnished, or equipment supplied whether performed, furnished, or supplied with the consent of the owner, or his or her agent, of such property, or without the consent of said owner or agent.
[ 2011 c 336 § 456; 1987 c 438 § 35; 1975 1st ex.s. c 13 § 13.]