At inspection stations established under § 41-13A-5, authorized department personnel may inspect the exterior of any conveyance for the presence of organisms or organic material that may harbor aquatic invasive species. Authorized personnel may examine any interior portion of a conveyance that may carry or transport water or organic material, including an engine, motor, live well, ballast tank, or bilge area. A law enforcement officer may stop a person with a conveyance at a location other than an inspection station if the person fails to stop at an inspection station or fails to comply with required inspection and decontamination procedures. During the inspection, personnel may also check for compliance with the requirements established in §§ 41-13A-2 to 41-13A-4, inclusive.

If any organisms or organic material that may harbor aquatic invasive species are found or suspected to be present as a result of the inspection, the department may decontaminate the conveyance or order the decontamination of the conveyance.

Source: SL 2020, ch 181, § 6, eff. Feb. 26, 2020.