Montana committee hears bill to double fines for skipping boat inspection stations amid AIS concerns

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 where warnings are insufficient and stiffer, mandatory penalties will deter deliberate or careless introductions that can devastate fisheries, irrigation systems and hydropower infrastructure. Phil Mattson of the Flathead Lake Biological Station warned the state must send a "strong message" to boat owners arriving from infested states; he cited an increase in drive‑bys and the discovery of mussels on vessels transiting the region.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks enforcement officials said the agency has used warnings in the past when motorists genuinely believed they had complied, and that the department would retain on‑the‑ground discretion to educate and warn where appropriate. In 2024 wardens issued 47 citations and 91 written warnings for failing to stop at check stations; staff said many motorists stop at earlier stations and then assume they are exempt further along a route, which leads to unintentional drive‑bys.

Lawmakers questioned how broadly ‘negligent’ would be applied and whether small amounts of water or wet gear could trigger fines; FWP clarified the statutory sections targeted concern watercraft and water vectors, not footwear. The bill’s sponsors and supporters argued that higher mandatory fines would better protect Montana’s aquatic resources and infrastructure and asked the committee to pass the measure.