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State Democrat Drafts Bill to Bring Back Local Weed Commissioners
Tuesday, January 14th, 2020 -- 10:43 am
Posted by Riley Hebert-News Director
(WRN) -A new effort to stop the spread of noxious weeds is taking root in the legislature.
Stevens Point Democrat Katrina Shankland has drafted a bill that funds local weed commissioner efforts around the state. She says exposure to wild parsnip is a human health issue that needs to be addressed.
"It's a chemical burn that can take years to fully heal from. And we've seen really catastrophic damage done to little children and dogs especially, but also some workers comp claims from workers who didn't know what wild parsnip is."
Shankland says the long-forgotten state statute allows counties to appoint a weed commissioner, giving them the authority to mow or spray on public or private property to get rid of dangerous weeds.
"I've never got more contacts from other legislative offices, asking us for the Powerpoints, asking for the strategies, asking us how to get a weed commissioner in their county."
The bill is being circulated for co-sponsorship. It already has the support of Republican Senator Patrick Testin.
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