77.12.879 - Aquatic invasive species prevention account -- Aquatic invasive species prevention program for recreational and commercial watercraft -- Enforcement program -- Check stations -- Training - - Washington Statutes

Aquatic invasive species prevention account — Aquatic invasive species prevention program for recreational and commercial watercraft — Enforcement program — Check stations — Training — Report to the legislature.

(1) The aquatic invasive species prevention account is created in the state treasury. Moneys directed to the account from *RCW 88.02.050 must be deposited in the account. Expenditures from the account may only be used as provided in this section. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation.

     (2) Funds in the aquatic invasive species prevention account may be appropriated to the department to develop an aquatic invasive species prevention program for recreational and commercial watercraft. Funds must be expended as follows:

     (a) To inspect recreational and commercial watercraft;

     (b) To educate general law enforcement officers on how to enforce state laws relating to preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species;

     (c) To evaluate and survey the risk posed by recreational and commercial watercraft in spreading aquatic invasive species into Washington state waters;

     (d) To evaluate the risk posed by float planes in spreading aquatic invasive species into Washington state waters; and

     (e) To implement an aquatic invasive species early detection and rapid response plan. The plan must address the treatment and immediate response to the introduction to Washington waters of aquatic invasive species. Agency and public review of the plan must be conducted under chapter 43.21C RCW, the state environmental policy act. If the implementation measures or actions would have a probable significant adverse environmental impact, a detailed statement under chapter 43.21C RCW must be prepared on the plan.

     (3) Funds in the aquatic invasive species enforcement account created in RCW 43.43.400 may be appropriated to the department and Washington state patrol to develop an aquatic invasive species enforcement program for recreational and commercial watercraft. The department shall provide training to Washington state patrol employees working at port of entry weigh stations, and other local law enforcement employees, on how to inspect recreational and commercial watercraft for the presence of aquatic invasive species. A person who enters Washington by road transporting any commercial or recreational watercraft that has been used in any designated aquatic invasive species state or foreign country as defined by rule of the department must have in his or her possession valid documentation that the watercraft has been inspected and found free of aquatic invasive species. The department is authorized to require persons transporting recreational and commercial watercraft to stop at check stations. Check stations must be plainly marked by signs, operated by at least one uniformed fish and wildlife officer, and operated in a safe manner. Any person stopped at a check station who possesses a recreational or commercial watercraft that has been used in any designated aquatic invasive species state or foreign country as defined by rule of the department, or that is contaminated with aquatic invasive species, must bear the expense for any necessary impoundment, transportation, cleaning, and decontamination of the watercraft. Any person stopped at a check station who possesses a recreational or commercial watercraft that has been used in any designated aquatic invasive species state or foreign country as defined by rule of the department, or that is contaminated with aquatic invasive species, is exempt from the criminal penalties found in RCW 77.15.253 and 77.15.290, and forfeiture under RCW 77.15.070, if that person complies with all department directives for the proper decontamination of the watercraft and equipment.

     (4) The department shall submit a biennial report to the appropriate legislative committees describing the actions taken to implement this section along with suggestions on how to better fulfill the intent of chapter 464, Laws of 2005.

[2009 c 333 § 22; 2007 c 350 § 3; 2005 c 464 § 3.]

Notes: *Reviser's note: RCW 88.02.050 was recodified as RCW 88.02.560 pursuant to 2010 c 161 § 1233, effective July 1, 2011.

Findings -- Intent -- 2005 c 464: See note following RCW 88.02.560.