(a) To be eligible to receive funding from the Noxious Weed Management Account pursuant to this article, a county agricultural commissioner shall submit an integrated weed management plan to implement an aggressive control program for noxious weeds. The goals of the program shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) Increase the profitability and value of cropland and rangeland.

(2) Decrease the costs of roadside, park, and waterway maintenance.

(3) Reduce the fire hazard and fire control costs in the state.

(4) Protect the biodiversity of native ecosystems.

(5) Maintain the recreational and aesthetic value of open space, recreational, and public areas.

(6) Increase water supply and flow.

(b) Funds dispersed pursuant to this section shall be allocated on the basis of the total number of infested acres in each county and the degree of infestation that exists in the counties, and shall only be used for the following purposes upon submission of a plan approved by county boards of supervisors and the department:

(1) Operation of programs by the county agricultural commissioner for control of noxious weeds along county roads and other local government owned property.

(2) Matching funds for control of noxious weeds on city owned streets, parks, rights-of-way, and other public areas.

(3) Disseminating biological control agents by the county agricultural commissioner for the long-term control of yellow starthistle or other noxious weeds.

(4) Abatement of noxious weed infestations on land vital to the success of the program.

(5) Not more than 10 percent of the noxious weed management funds distributed to a county agricultural commissioner subject to this section may be used by that commissioner for meeting, travel, administration, and coordination costs.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 208, Sec. 3. (AB 1763) Effective January 1, 2024.)