Bill > S491

This bill aims to respond to the threat of invasive species in Massachusetts. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. It establishes the Invasive Species Trust Fund, which will be used to support the Invasive Species Council and Committee, the Department of Agricultural Resources' invasive species office, the development and implementation of a statewide strategic management plan for invasive species, research and pilot projects, and grants to municipalities, non-profits, and state agencies for invasive species control programs. 2. It creates the Invasive Species Council, which will provide policy-level direction, coordination, and planning among state departments and other entities for the control and eradication of invasive species. The Council will also maintain oversight of invasive species in the state, recommend legislation and policies, and direct invasive species policy for state agencies. 3. It establishes the Department of Agricultural Resources' invasive species office, which will focus on prevention, management, education, and collaboration to address invasive species in the state. 4. It requires the development of a comprehensive, statewide strategic management plan for invasive species, which will address various aspects of invasive species management, including prevention, early detection, control, enforcement, and public education. 5. It creates the Invasive Species Advisory Committee, which will provide information, advice, and guidance to the Invasive Species Council. 6. It imposes a 25% surcharge on fines for violations related to this chapter, with 20% of the surcharge going to the Massachusetts Environmental Police Trust Fund and 5% going to the Invasive Species Trust Fund. 7. It allows for voluntary donations to the Invasive Species Trust Fund when applying for sporting, fishing, hunting, or trapping licenses. Overall, this bill aims to establish a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing the threat of invasive species in Massachusetts, through the creation of new funding sources, governance structures, and strategic planning efforts.