SB 24-031

Senate Bill 24-031 allows Colorado counties to fine residents who violate local laws about noxious weeds. The fines can range from $500 to $1,000, and the county attorney can ask a court to stop ongoing violations. If a county doesn’t have its own attorney, it can appoint another one to handle these cases. This bill was signed by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2024, meaning counties will be able to start enforcing local noxious weed laws with fines after that date.

Official Summary

Current law allows the commissioner of agriculture to assess civil penalties for violations of state laws related to the prevention of noxious weeds (violations). The act: Clarifies that a board of county commissioners (board) may allow for the assessment and collection of fines for violations of local laws enacted to enforce the management of noxious weeds in the county; Creates a civil infraction for violations; Creates a civil penalty for violations that is no less than $500 and no more than $1,000; Allows a county attorney to petition the district court for an injunction to prevent an ongoing violation; and Allows a board to appoint a district attorney to enforce violations in the event that the county does not have a county attorney or in any other circumstance that the board deems appropriate. APPROVED by Governor March 12, 2024 EFFECTIVE August 7, 2024(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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