Bill in Virginia Senate would require tradespeople to notify about invasive plant use

A bill put forward by State Sen. Timmy F. French is designed to guarantee that property owners are given written notice whenever tradespeople propose planting species identified as invasive, as stated by the Virginia State Senate.

The measure, filed as SB383 on Jan. 14, 2026, during the 2026 regular session, carries the title: “Invasive plant species installation; written notification to property owners, civil penalty.”

Here is an overview of key provisions, though some explanatory interpretation is included for clarity based on the actual bill language.

This legislation instructs the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services to establish regulations obligating tradespeople who propose or install plantings to provide property owners with written notice if any selected species appear on the state’s invasive plant list. The Department of Conservation and Recreation is tasked with developing this list by Jan. 1, 2024, and must revise it at least once every four years. Tradespeople who do not comply with the notification rule could face penalties of up to $250 for each offense, with those funds directed to the Plant Pollination Fund. State agencies are prohibited from planting, selling or propagating invasive species on the list unless it is for scientific, educational, or bona fide agricultural reasons.

This bill is sponsored by Sen. Timmy F. French (Republican-1st District) and Sen. T. Travis Hackworth (Republican-5th District).

Since the session began, French has introduced two additional bills.

French, a Republican, was elected to represent Virginia’s 1st Senate district in 2024, taking over from T. Monty Mason.

In Virginia, the legislative process starts with a bill’s introduction in either chamber of the General Assembly. The bill is referred to committees for review and potential amendments. After passing through committee, the bill moves to debate and votes on the floor of both the House and Senate. If both approve, the bill is sent to the governor, who can sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature. Each year, the General Assembly’s regular session opens on the second Monday in January, with legislators submitting hundreds of bills; only some are enacted into law.