Bill 118 s 3721, also known as the Plant Detention Act, aims to establish specific requirements for plants that are detained by the Secretary of the Interior due to suspicion of violating the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981. The Lacey Act is a federal law that prohibits the trade of illegally sourced plants and wildlife.
Under this bill, plants that are detained by the Secretary of the Interior must meet certain criteria in order to be released. These criteria may include providing documentation proving the legal sourcing of the plants, undergoing inspections to ensure compliance with the Lacey Act, and paying any necessary fines or penalties.
The purpose of this legislation is to strengthen enforcement of the Lacey Act and prevent the illegal trade of plants that may harm ecosystems and wildlife populations. By establishing clear requirements for detained plants, the bill aims to ensure that only legally sourced plants are allowed to enter the market.
Overall, the Plant Detention Act seeks to protect the environment and promote ethical sourcing practices within the plant trade industry. It is an important step towards combating illegal plant trafficking and preserving biodiversity.