Section 9-402 - Powers of SecretaryThe Secretary may:
(1) Investigate, study, and make a determination on: (i) The extent of growth and infestation of a noxious weed or other weed species in the State; and(ii) The effect of the noxious weed or other weed species on agricultural production;(2) By regulation, designate as a noxious weed any plant that adversely affects or threatens agricultural production;(3) Institute programs or carry out practices necessary for the control and eradication of a noxious weed;(4) Enter into agreements with a county or other political subdivision of the State, an adjoining state, or an agency of the federal government to implement a program for the control and eradication of a noxious weed;(5) Accept, use, or expend any aid, gift, grant, or loan made available from any private or public source to carry out the provisions of this subtitle; and(6) Following a public hearing declare a quarantine to control or eradicate any exotic plant, which means a plant species not previously known to occur in the State or known to be of only limited distribution in the State, as determined by the Secretary.Amended by 2019 Md. Laws, Ch. 278,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2019.