HF 3066

as introduced - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to nursery stock; providing for improved consumer education at the
point of retail sale; requiring a report to the legislature.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin CONSUMER EDUCATION; TOXICITY OF NURSERY STOCK.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Findings. new text end

new text begin The legislature finds that retail consumers of nursery
stock are frequently unaware that certain plant materials they purchase may, under certain
circumstances, be a safety risk to persons, livestock, or household pets exposed to the
plant materials. The risk varies substantially depending on the variety and maturity of
plant material involved, the quantity ingested or exposed to the person, livestock, or pets,
and other factors. Further, the legislature finds that the nursery industry has a strong
interest in continuing to work with the Department of Agriculture to provide consistent
customer service information to better inform consumers of risks.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Commissioner to coordinate. new text end

new text begin By March 1, 2007, the commissioner of
agriculture, in consultation with organizations of nursery stock growers, dealers, and
retailers, and other interested parties, shall recommend appropriate procedures and display
materials for increasing public awareness of the varying levels of toxic hazard posed by
certain nursery stock plants to livestock, household pets, and people.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Report to legislative committees. new text end

new text begin By April 1, 2007, the commissioner
of agriculture shall report to the standing committees of the senate and the house of
representatives with jurisdiction over agriculture policy on the results of efforts to increase
retail consumer awareness of potential toxic hazards posed by certain nursery stock.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin Section 1 is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end