SF 5210

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/26/2024 08:55am

A bill for an act
relating to game and fish; authorizing emergency importation of minnows to ensure
adequate bait supply; amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97C.515, by
adding a subdivision.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97C.515, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Emergency importation to ensure adequate bait supply. new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding
subdivisions 1 to 5, section 97C.211 or 97C.341, or any other provision of law, a minnow
dealer, minnow retailer, or holder of a private fish hatchery license may import live minnows
from other states for use in this state without a permit when the minnow dealer, minnow
retailer, or holder of a private fish hatchery is unable to procure an adequate supply of bait
from sources in this state. For purposes of this subdivision, a person is unable to procure
an adequate supply of bait from sources in this state if the person has an inadequate supply
to meet demand for at least one day.
new text end

new text begin (b) A minnow dealer, minnow retailer, or holder of a private fish hatchery license must
notify the commissioner within 48 hours of importing minnows under this subdivision in
the manner prescribed by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner may not require a permit to import minnows under this subdivision
but may inspect any minnows imported under this subdivision and related documents to
determine the quantity, source, species, and health of the imported minnows.
new text end

new text begin (d) Section 97C.341 does not apply to minnows imported under this subdivision.
new text end