Mussel-free Colorado Act

Parks and wildlife - aquatic nuisance species - fees - increased penalties - reimbursement for decontamination - single fund created. Section 3 of the act 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 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.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)