80-7-1012. Invasive species possession and transfer prohibited — exceptions. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a person may not import, purchase, sell, barter, distribute, propagate, transport, introduce, or possess an invasive species except:

Terms Used In Montana Code 80-7-1012

  • Departments: means the department of agriculture, the department of fish, wildlife, and parks, the department of natural resources and conservation, and the department of transportation. See Montana Code 80-7-1003
  • Invasive species: means , upon the mutual agreement of the directors of the departments, a nonnative, aquatic species that has caused, is causing, or is likely to cause harm to the economy, environment, recreational opportunities, or human health. See Montana Code 80-7-1003
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Knowingly: means only a knowledge that the facts exist which bring the act or omission within the provisions of this code. See Montana Code 1-1-204
  • Person: means an individual, partnership, corporation, association, limited partnership, limited liability company, governmental subdivision, agency, or public or private organization of any character. See Montana Code 80-7-1003
  • Property: means real and personal property. See Montana Code 1-1-205
  • State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories. See Montana Code 1-1-201
  • Vessel: has the meaning provided in 61-1-101. See Montana Code 80-7-1003

(a)when transporting a specimen to any of the departments or another destination as directed by any of the departments in a sealed container for the purpose of containing, identifying, or reporting the presence of the species or for an approved educational purpose;

(b)when done by a government agency for an approved purpose;

(c)with a proper permit issued by the state or federal government; or

(d)as allowed by rule.

(2)A person who learns of the presence of an invasive species on that person’s vessel or property shall notify the department with primary jurisdiction of the species immediately. If the person complies with department requirements for the treatment, control, and eradication of the invasive species, the person must be considered to be in compliance with this section and is not subject to penalties under 80-7-1014. This subsection does not apply to a person who purposely or knowingly introduces or attempts to introduce an invasive species in Montana.