We evaluated regulatory weed risk assessment protocols for six northeast states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont) to identify potential barriers to 1) consistent regulated plant lists across state borders and 2) proactive regulation of species that are not yet present in the state (e.g., range-shifting invasive plant species). We present lists of evaluated, regulated, and range-shifting invasive species that northeast states could assess to achieve consistent and proactive regulation.