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Rhode Island: invasive & noxious plant laws

New laws coming: several states phase in plant bans 2027–2030. See dates and sources →

Rhode Island law bans importing, selling or distributing non-native invasive plants "as defined by the director" of DEM, but neither ban is enforceable until DEM adopts rules listing the plants. R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-1-26 covers freshwater invasive aquatic plants (sale, purchase and possession too). The 2026 Invasive Plant Management Act (P.L. 2026 ch. 208) adds § 2-15-5.1 for terrestrial plants, effective January 1, 2027. DEM has proposed a 47-species aquatic list (250-RICR-60-00-11), but it is not final, so no plants are listed here. Federal noxious weeds still apply.

Official sources

• R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-1-26
• P.L. 2026 ch. 208 (H 7071 Sub A)
• DEM proposed rule 250-RICR-60-00-11 (PDF)
• Federal Noxious Weed List, 7 CFR § 360.200 (USDA APHIS) — applies in every state

Plants covered

Not reproduced here yet — see the official source above.

Check plants against Rhode Island law →

Informational only, not legal advice. Lists change; always check the official source linked above before you buy, sell, plant or move a plant. Lists checked 2026-10-14.