HB2981: Relating to aquatic invasive species; declaring an emergency.

Legislative Summary

The Act gives moneys to four agencies to pay for steps that concern aquatic invasive species. The Act takes effect on 7/1/2025. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.7). [Digest: The Act tells an agency to study aquatic invasive species. The Act tells the agency to report on the study. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.3).] [Directs the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to study aquatic invasive species. Directs the department to submit a report to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to natural resources not later than September 15, 2026.] Appropriates moneys to the Department of Environmental Quality to fund vessel inspections to minimize the risk of introducing aquatic invasive species into this state. Appropriates moneys to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to fund monitoring for aquatic invasive species in high-risk waterbodies. Appropriates moneys to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to update waterbody vulnerability assessments for aquatic invasive species. Appropriates moneys to the State Department of Agriculture to fund interagency rapid response exercises and interagency collaboration related to the detection of aquatic invasive species. Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025.