Journalist: Destiny Lugo (ORU)
House Bill No. OSU-540 known as the “Priority Invasive Species Act of 2026” authored by Titus Montgomery (OSU) is meant to address land pestilence. The author specifically used the example of southern redcedar which he explained is native to Oklahoma.
In the new law section of the bill Montgomery explained that, “The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry shall establish the Priority Invasive Species Cost-Share Program to assist landowners with the treatment, control, or eradication of priority invasive species on infested land.” as specified in the bill.
Additionally, those who qualify as “landowners” who have infested land would be eligible for “…cost-share assistance equal to fifty percent (50%) of approved treatment costs, not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) per landowner per calendar year.”
These new proposals would be funded by an appropriation made by the Legislature of two million dollars enabling them to implement the terms of the bill and the funds would be sourced from “The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry Noxious Weed Fund” which would provide one million dollars, and then five-hundred thousand dollars coming from the State Forestry Division redcedar timber sale proceeds and another five-hundred thousand coming from “A one-dollar ($1.00) “Invasive Fighter” surcharge on annual hunting and fishing licenses…”.
What makes this bill a no-brainer is that Oklahoma already has these appropriations set aside for land management- this bill would simply increase its efficiency.
During time for questions Montgomery explained that he had researched this issue for two years. “They [southern redcedar] are native to the state of Oklahoma…like all things, if it grows too much in one thing, it’s a bad thing…We are doing this so that people are able to choose and that’s our job as legislators” said Montgomery (OSU).
When the time came to vote, the tally stood at sixty eight in favor with absolutely no opposition. Although this bill was initially tabled, the author was finally able to enjoy its passing in the House.