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HB 147

Aquatic Invasive Species Amendments

2025 General Session Introduced by Rex Shipp and 1 co-sponsor

Utah strengthens aquatic invasive species regulations through enhanced permitting, reporting, and enforcement mechanisms to protect state waterways from non-native organisms.

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Bill Summary · HB 147

Legislative bill overview

HB 147 amends Utah's aquatic invasive species statutes to strengthen regulation and management of non-native aquatic organisms that threaten native ecosystems. The bill modifies enforcement mechanisms, permit requirements, and reporting procedures for entities handling aquatic species in the state.

Why is this important

Aquatic invasive species cause significant ecological and economic damage to Utah's waterways, affecting fishing, recreation, and water quality. Strengthened regulations help prevent costly infestations and protect the state's aquatic resources, which support both wildlife and outdoor-dependent industries.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic impact on aquaculture: Stricter permit and reporting requirements may increase compliance costs for legitimate aquaculture operations and pet/fish industry businesses
  • Enforcement authority and resources: The bill's effectiveness depends on adequate funding and staffing for Division of Wildlife Resources monitoring and enforcement
  • Severity of penalties: The scope and magnitude of penalties for violations could be seen as either insufficiently deterrent or overly burdensome depending on stakeholder perspective

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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