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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 criminal fine would rise from $10,000 to $25,000, Millett said. The bill also adds a new provision stating that no penalty may be issued for passing through a check station if clear and adequate signage has not been posted "a reasonable distance" from the station.
FWP law‑enforcement representative Phil Kilbreath told the committee that the agency records citations but courts handle collections, so FWP could report citation counts but not fine‑collection totals. Kilbreath said FWP issued 7 citations in 2024 for not having an invasive‑species prevention pass (nonresident), 8 citations for violations of AIS management‑area rules (for example, failing to drain a vessel or bait violations) and 47 citations for failing to stop at an invasive‑species management area check station.
Multiple stakeholders endorsed the change. "We rise in support to meaningfully address the inflationary pressures on those penalties and fines," Clayton Elliott of Montana Charter Unlimited said. Tom Jacobson of the Montana Wildlife Federation and Matt Leo of the Montana chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers also urged committee concurrence. Rebecca Boslough King of the Montana Association of Conservation Districts said many conservation districts operate AIS inspection stations and supported updating penalty levels.
Committee members asked about the rationale for the exact dollar amounts and whether judges would be required to impose the maximums. Kilbreath said the bill sets maximum fines a judge may impose but courts retain discretion to assess lower amounts. Senators also pressed FWP on enforcement logistics and capacity; Kilbreath said FWP coordinates with highway patrol and other officers to pursue evaders when resources permit and that there are about 20 inspection stations across the state when partner stations are included.
Millett closed by noting the risks AIS pose to Montana's fishing and tourism industries, hydro facilities and water treatment systems and urged a yes vote. The hearing was closed; committee action was not taken during this session.
