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Montana committee hears bill to double fines for skipping boat inspection stations amid AIS concerns
Summary
HB242 would double fines for negligent or intentional violations of Montana’s aquatic invasive species rules — including failing to stop at boat inspection stations — and would remove statutory allowance for warnings; proponents say stronger penalties are needed to keep zebra and quagga mussels out of Montana waters.
Representative Tom Millett presented House Bill 242 as a response to growing concern about aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as zebra and quagga mussels. The bill would double fines for negligent and knowing introductions of AIS and remove the statutory provision that allows warnings in lieu of fines for some offenses.
Proponents from Trout Unlimited, outfitters, conservation districts and researchers argued Montana has reached a point…
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