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Montana bill would raise fines for skipping aquatic invasive‑species boat checks, add signage protection
Summary
Representative Tom Millett introduced HB 242 to raise penalties for evading AIS inspection stations and for knowingly introducing aquatic invasive species; FWP said 47 citations were issued last year for failing to stop at check stations and the bill adds a clause barring penalties if adequate signage is not posted.
Representative Tom Millett introduced House Bill 242 to the Senate Fish and Game Committee, asking senators to increase fines for people who evade aquatic invasive‑species (AIS) boat‑check stations or knowingly introduce AIS into Montana waters. "Since the Montana AIS Act was passed in 2009, the fines ... have not changed in 15 years," Millett said, and the bill revises those amounts to better reflect inflation and deterrence.
Under the proposal, the first offense for negligently introducing AIS or failing to stop at a check station would rise from $500 to $700, the second offense from $750 to $1,400, the intentional civil penalty would increase from $9.75 to $19.50, and the…
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