HB 488 Summary

• Establishes an aquacultural area lease program within the Department of Agriculture to identify and lease state facilities, state lands, and state marine waters suitable for commercial aquaculture by June 30, 2025.

• Requires the department to hold public meetings, consult with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and other agencies, and consider community comments before identifying aquacultural areas.

• Authorizes the department to issue leases with specified terms including annual rent, performance bonds, restrictions on escaped organisms, and provisions for lease revocation for violations or non-performance.

• Deposits lease revenues into the aquaculture development special fund for program implementation, employee hiring, and payment of lease rents to agencies.

• Establishes penalties up to $10,000 per day for conducting unpermitted aquacultural activities and allows civil and criminal liability for damage to leased aquacultural areas or equipment.