Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Aquatic Invasive Species topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House committee advances HB125 to limit spread of aquatic invasive mussels, clarify rental exemptions
Summary
The House Natural Resources committee gave HB125 a favorable recommendation after sponsors clarified education and rental-exemption rules aimed at preventing spread of invasive mussels from Lake Powell and similar waters.
Representative Shipp told the House Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Standing Committee that HB125 makes limited changes to the state’s aquatic invasive species rules to prevent the spread of mussels and to clarify which watercraft must complete the required education.
"This bill is just making a few changes on the aquatic invasive species amendments," the sponsor said, describing exemptions for non-motorized inflatables and rental situations where a vessel never leaves a lake. Deputy Chief Y. Boubac of DNR Law Enforcement added that the bill would extend Utah’s authority to respond if other mussel species are found in the state and clarified that livery owners and on-site operators need not require education for a craft that never leaves the water.
Committee members pressed for details about the education requirement. The sponsor and DNR staff said the course is offered online, takes about "15 or 20 minutes," and is intended to ensure people who transport motorized boats across state waters understand how to avoid transferring invasive species.
After no public comments, the committee approved Amendment 2 by voice vote and then gave HB125 a favorable recommendation to the House floor as amended.
Next steps: HB125 will proceed to the full House with the committee’s favorable recommendation.
