HB 18-1008

HB 18-1008, known as the Mussel-free Colorado Act, aims to protect Colorado’s waterways from harmful aquatic species like invasive mussels. The bill requires boat owners and users to pay a fee for an "aquatic nuisance species stamp," with in-state residents paying $25 and nonresidents $50 starting January 1, 2019. It also increases penalties for not complying with inspections or failing to purchase the required stamp. Signed into law, this act now mandates these fees and stricter regulations on boat owners to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic species in Colorado’s waters.

Official Summary

Water Resources Review Committee. Section 3 of the bill updates a legislative declaration concerning aquatic nuisance species to encourage the federal government to dedicate sufficient funding and resources to the detection, prevention, control, and eradication of aquatic nuisance species for federally owned or managed aquatic resources and water infrastructure in Colorado. Section 4 defines 'motorboat' and 'sailboat'. Section 5 authorizes the division of parks and wildlife (division) to seek reimbursement from a conveyance owner (i.e., motor vehicles, trailers, and watercraft) for the storage and decontamination of a conveyance that has been impounded and quarantined due to the suspected presence of an aquatic nuisance species. Section 6 requires an in-state resident registering a motorboat or sailboat in Colorado for use on or after January 1, 2019, to pay a $25 fee for an aquatic nuisance species stamp in addition to the watercraft registration fee. A nonresident using a motorboat or sailboat in waters of the state on or after January 1, 2019, is required to pay a $50 fee for an aquatic nuisance species stamp. Section 7 increases penalties related to aquatic nuisance species and creates new penalties for failing to purchase an aquatic nuisance species stamp; failing to comply with a qualified peace officer's or an authorized agent's request to stop, detain, and inspect a vessel; and launching a vessel without first obtaining a vessel inspection at an aquatic nuisance species check station. Section 8 combines the division of parks and outdoor recreation aquatic nuisance species fund and the division of wildlife aquatic nuisance species fund into a single fund: The division of parks and wildlife aquatic nuisance species fund. Sections 1, 2, 9, and 10 make conforming amendments.(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More

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