H.B. 98 Summary

• Authorizes seizure and forfeiture of equipment, vehicles, vessels, and other assets used in illegal fishing, possession, or sale of aquatic life under Chapter 187A procedures.

• Imposes criminal fines on persons convicted of intentionally violating aquatic resources laws, with collected fines deposited to the conservation and resources enforcement special fund.

• Clarifies that administrative fines for threatened or endangered species violations are assessed per-specimen: up to $5,000 for first offense, $10,000 for second offense, and $15,000 for third or subsequent offense.

• Elevates aquatic resources violations from petty misdemeanor to misdemeanor status, maintaining minimum fines of $250 for first offense, $500 for second offense, and $1,000 for third or subsequent offense.

• Allows courts to order community service in lieu of fines, with the department of land and natural resources authorized to recommend service that benefits the damaged resource.