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House advances aquatic invasive‑species package, creates restricted fund from new out‑of‑state fee
Summary
The House approved a second substitute to HB255 directing consolidation of interdiction efforts under DNR, adding a $20 out‑of‑state boater fee, and creating a restricted account expected to total roughly $1 million annually; the bill passed 68‑4 and moves to the Senate.
The Utah House on Feb. 24 approved a second substitute of House Bill 255 aimed at strengthening the state's response to aquatic invasive species such as quagga and zebra mussels.
Representative Waldrop said the bill imposes a $20 fee on out‑of‑state boaters (in addition to the $10 in‑state fee) and consolidates the aquatic invasive species interdiction program within the Department of Natural Resources. He told colleagues the measure would raise roughly $350,000 from out‑of‑state registrations, to be combined with current in‑state receipts of about $600,000 to create an approximately $1 million restricted account dedicated to prevention and containment.
The substitute directs DNR to study and implement a boat‑tracking or automated scanning pilot and to increase capacity at boat takeout points; the bill also creates intent language authorizing rapid‑response or containment funding within that restricted account.
Representatives supporting the bill cited the potential fiscal and public‑health costs of an infestation, arguing prevention is far cheaper than remediation. Representative Albrecht and others highlighted expenses already incurred in nearby reservoirs and warned that an infestation could threaten water infrastructure and utility costs.
Lawmakers also discussed procurement and vendor selection; the sponsor said the bill does not require contracting with any specific vendor and directs DNR to report back with feasibility, costs and recommendations and then implement a pilot at its discretion.
The House approved the second substitute 68‑4 and the bill was sent on to the Senate for further consideration.
