MN SF1928

Requires drain plugs and devices controlling water drainage from ballast tanks, bilges, and live wells to be removed or opened while transporting water-related equipment, with exemptions for emergency response vehicles and portable bait containers used ice fishing.

Establishes 21-day waiting period before boat lifts, docks, swim rafts, or associated equipment removed from one water body can be placed in another water body.

Increases civil penalties for aquatic invasive species violations, including transportation of aquatic macrophytes ($50 to $100), placing equipment with macrophytes in waters ($100 to $200), and unlawful possession of prohibited invasive species ($250 to $500).

Doubles civil penalties for repeat offenders who have prior convictions or final orders for violations of aquatic invasive species statutes.

Creates statewide educational course and testing program on identifying and preventing spread of aquatic invasive species, with commissioner issuing three-year aquatic invasive species trailer decals to course completers; requires trailer decal for transporting watercraft or water-related equipment with trailer effective July 1, 2015.

Authorizes commissioner to delegate inspection authority to tribal and local governments that assume legal and financial responsibility for equipment inspections and allows mandatory inspection stations before equipment placement in waters.

Modifies bait import restrictions by allowing frozen or processed bait from viral hemorrhagic septicemia-infested waters if processed to inactivate the virus per commissioner rules.