HF 2627

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 03/03/2014 03:01pm

A bill for an act
relating to invasive species; modifying enforcement of the emerald ash borer
quarantine for certified persons; creating a voluntary certification program;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18G.06, by adding a subdivision;
proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 18G.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18G.06, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Emerald ash borer. new text end

new text begin (a) Once the United States Department of Agriculture
authorizes alternative quarantine enforcement as provided under this subdivision, the
commissioner must perform unannounced inspections of persons certified under section
18G.065. If the only regulated article in the certified person's possession is nonash
firewood, the commissioner must not subject the certified person to the standard terms of
the state or federal quarantine including, but not limited to, wood treatment requirements
and material movement restrictions.
new text end

new text begin (b) For purposes of this subdivision, "regulated article" has the meaning given in the
commissioner's emerald ash borer quarantine order effective February 22, 2012.
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [18G.065] EMERALD ASH BORER CERTIFICATION.
new text end

new text begin A person may apply to the commissioner for emerald ash borer certification. A
person applying for certification must pay a nonrefundable application fee of $10. The
commissioner must train applicants to identify tree and wood species and evidence of
emerald ash borer infestation. After completing the certification requirements, which
must include an examination as determined by the commissioner, the commissioner must
certify the applicant. The certification expires March 1 of the third calendar year after the
initial year of certification.
new text end