HB0147 revises Utah’s aquatic invasive species laws, primarily by updating terminology and tightening/clarifying rules for preventing the spread of invasive mussels. The bill replaces references to “Dreissena” mussels with the broader term “invasive mussel,” which includes both Dreissena mussels and Limnoperna mussels, and it updates related definitions for conveyances, equipment, infested waters, and water supply systems. It also keeps in place the state’s inspection, decontamination, quarantine, closure, and reporting framework for vessels and other conveyances that may carry invasive species.
The bill also changes the aquatic invasive species fee program for vessels. It preserves annual resident and nonresident fees, requires payment and completion of an aquatic invasive species education course before launching or operating a vessel, and continues the decal requirement for paid vessels. At the same time, it exempts certain government-owned vessels used in the course of official duties and exempts nonmotorized vessels and inflatable motorboats when used in waters that are not infested. The bill repeals an outdated section on fee collection and makes technical and conforming changes throughout the chapter.
Impact
HB0147 amends multiple sections of Title 23A, Chapter 10, affecting how Utah regulates vessel launches, inspections, decontamination, closures, and aquatic invasive species fees. It broadens the statutory focus from one mussel genus to all invasive mussels covered by the bill, authorizes continued enforcement actions by the Division of Wildlife Resources and other officers, and updates the fee collection and account references. It also repeals Section 73-18-25.3, removing outdated fee-collection language, while leaving the overall aquatic invasive species interdiction program intact.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support and little visible opposition. It received unanimous favorable recommendations in both the House and Senate committees and passed the House on third reading 67-0. The vote history suggests the measure was viewed as a routine but important update to existing invasive species controls rather than a controversial policy change.
Contention
The main policy distinctions in the bill are narrow and technical rather than ideological. The most notable substantive changes are the expanded definition of invasive mussels, the exemption for government vessels used in official duties, and the exemption for nonmotorized vessels and inflatable motorboats when launched in non-infested waters. Any potential concern would likely come from vessel owners or agencies affected by fee, decal, inspection, or closure requirements, but the available record shows no recorded opposition or debate.