Effective January 1, 2023, municipalities will have express statutory authority to adopt ordinances to eradicate buckthorn on all public and private property within its jurisdiction. P.A. 102-0840 amends the Illinois Exotic Weed Act to add the following new language:
(d) Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Section for the control of exotic weeds, a municipality may adopt an ordinance to eradicate common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), glossy buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula), saw-toothed buckthorn (Rhamnus arguta), dahurian buckthorn (Rhamnus davurica), Japanese buckthorn (Rhamnus japonica), and Chinese buckthorn (Rhamnus utilis) on all public and private property within its geographic boundaries.