Bill No.: HB0018                     Drafter:  LGC

LSO No.:   10LSO-0152                 Effective Date:

Enrolled Act No.:    HEA0062

Chapter No.:

Prime Sponsor:       Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Interim Committee

Catch Title:              Aquatic invasive species-2.

Subject:              Regulation of importation of aquatic invasive species.

Summary/Major Elements:

· Aquatic invasive species are exotic or non-native aquatic organisms that pose a significant threat to the waters of the state.

· The act prohibits persons from possessing, importing, exporting, shipping or transporting any aquatic invasive species or introducing them into the waters of the state.  The act requires any person who knows of an unreported aquatic invasive species in a specific location in the state to report it to the game and fish commission or a peace officer.

· The act requires the game and fish commission and the department of state parks and cultural resources to promulgate rules for administration of check stations.  The act allows any peace officer with probable cause to impound or decontaminate a conveyance or require the owner of a conveyance to decontaminate it. 

· The act authorizes any peace officer to stop and inspect any conveyance upon any of the following: prior to a watercraft being launched into the waters of the state, prior to departing from the waters of the state, that is visibly transporting any aquatic plant material or upon a reasonable suspicion that an aquatic invasive species might be present.

· The act gives the commission authority to restrict watercraft usage on specific waters of the state upon a finding that it is threatened with imminent introduction of an aquatic invasive species.

· The act authorizes the commission or the department of state parks and cultural resources to collect an annual fee which will be evidenced by a sticker to be applied to every watercraft (which does not include personal flotation devices or water sport toys).

· The act provides for criminal and civil penalties.

Comments:

· Report Required:  Reports are due from the commission and the department of state parks and cultural resources to the joint appropriations committee and the travel, recreation, wildlife and cultural resources interim committee.