AB 2443 Summary

• Imposes an additional quagga and zebra mussel infestation prevention fee on vessel registrations: up to $10 for even-year registrations, up to $20 for odd-year registrations, and up to $20 for certificate renewals.

• Requires the Department of Boating and Waterways to establish a technical advisory group to determine the fee amount and adopt emergency regulations for fee collection and administration.

• Directs collected revenues to the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund exclusively for dreissenid mussel monitoring, inspection, and infestation prevention programs.

• Allocates at least 85 percent of revenues as grants to entities implementing dreissenid mussel prevention plans, with up to 15 percent available to the Department of Fish and Game for prevention efforts in areas without existing plans.

• Exempts vessels used exclusively in marine waters from the prevention fee.